Omer Riza spoke to the press after our victory over the Rams at Cardiff City Stadium.
Similarly to the victory over Swansea City in our last home fixture, a strong second half from the Bluebirds ensured that all three points were secured at CCCS, with goals coming from Callum Robinson and Anwar El Ghazi.
“I think it was a really important game.” Omer began. “This one is what we needed, we needed to take those points to climb a little bit and have a little bit of space between us and the teams below. We’ve done that today and I think that’s a really important step.
“We’re in a position where the players get a sense and a feel on the pitch, so we have to manage that accordingly and in the second half I think we got that right. The second half was important, we came with a little bit more composure on the ball, we played through them and got our rewards because of it.
"That was the mindset, the boys can do that because they’ve got the quality to do it, so that was pleasing for me.”
With Robinson on the scoresheet and another great impact from El Ghazi, Omer was full of praise for the duo.
“The last two games, the reaction has been superb. Anwar came on the other day, set up the goal and today, he’s come on for thirty minutes, worked hard, caused problems and scored the goal. It was a brilliant impact.
“It’s great for Robbo. His attitude and character has been brilliant. We already know what he can do, he’s a good finisher and he will score when he gets a chance. I’m really happy for him, he’s in a good place at the moment and we need to keep it that way. He’s done brilliant and long may it continue.”
The Bluebirds extended their unbeaten streak to eight matches in all competitions, with City in a great run of form.
“It was important that we had this block, but I think this block’s different to the first block when we were really good for six games. I think the attitude and the mindset of the players is more aggressive," Omer added.
“We’ve managed to get the three points when it was really important, to give us some space. The other teams have lost around us today as well or drawn. It’s three points that we need, we need to keep pushing forward now.”