The latest news from Cardiff City a week before the transfer market ends.
Cardiff City manager Omer Riza has resorted to social media to defend striker Yakou Meite after his emotional speech was published on Sunday.
Meite, 28, wrote on X about the abuse he has gotten from fans and why he has stopped clapping them at games.
Riza has now issued an online statement in support of his player.
“No matter how he plays or performs at times, one thing from Yak is that he always does things fully and wholeheartedly,” Riza shared on Facebook.
“He trains hard and cares about the people around him. It’s more than simply football; sometimes it’s difficult to regulate emotions, and I’m a perfect example of that.”
Meanwhile, Andy Rinomhota feels the three points earned against Derby “almost feel like six” because of the Championship’s tight relegation picture.
The Bluebirds are hitting form just when they need it most; they are now seven games unbeaten in the league and four points clear of the bottom three.
“We knew how important this game was going to be,” Rinomhota said. “We try not to put too much pressure on it; we will approach it just like any other game.
“We anticipated that three points would feel like six with the teams around us, so I’m very pleased with the victory. It’s quite significant.
“It’s a good start with the momentum that we’re going to attempt to build on, to make it as difficult as possible for teams to come to our place.
“In this league, momentum is everything, so we’re delighted to add another win, another game unbeaten. We simply want to continue on our current path.”
Rinomhota has been an unsung star since transitioning to right-back in Riza’s system, where he has spent the previous six weeks or so. The 27-year-old says he’s just thrilled to be engaged after being left out in the cold by Erol Bulut.
“I’m happy to be back in the fold now,” according to him. “I’m just trying to enjoy my football, which I do, so I’m just trying to keep that momentum going for as long as I can.
“This is the longest run of games I’ve had at that position. I’ve played a few odd games here and there, perhaps merely to fill in for players. But I settled in quickly and felt at ease.
“I’ve gotten used to it; I think it was a little strange at first, but I think I’ve adjusted okay now. I’m glad to be playing, regardless of position or location. I’m just delighted to be a part of the team.”
However, earlier in the season, he considered another loan transfer after spending the second half of last season with Rotherham United, before finally receiving his chance.
“When Erol came in last season, it appeared like I wouldn’t have a chance, and I didn’t. “That’s exactly how it was,” he said.
“I wanted to play as many games as possible, so I went out on loan. I got several games, came back in, and it felt like the same issue. So I was thinking, ‘Do I go out on loan again?’ I just wanted to play football.
“I ended up remaining, and now, under Riz [Riza], I’ve earned my way back into the squad and am able to maintain my position. So I’m happy for the time being.”
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