Riza: We have won the first of nine cup finals

Omer Riza:



“It was a much needed win. We felt after Luton Town we had nine finals to play for the remainder of the season. One is down with a win. We have eight to go now.

"Our mentality and our approach to games is key. We need to get the job done. The boys did that today. From our starters to our finishers.

"It was disappointing to concede but we showed great character. In the first half, we set up with a five in defence and a midfield three to try and stay strong against a good team. We knew we had creative and pacey options off the bench for when we wanted to change shape. All of the subs made an impact.

“Yak [Yakou Méïté] has been fasting as well. So, he's played the game today without eating and when possibly energies were low. He did what was needed and got the winning goal. I’m really happy for him.

"I was surprised when a penalty was given. From our view, the Blackburn Rovers man got up and caught the ball with his hands, so it didn’t feel like the right decision. Thankfully, for us, the officials have discussed it, realised and overturned it.

"There have been other games where penalties and goals have been given against us late on that have been brutal.

"We got the three points. That’s what matters.”

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I don't trust him to win many more. I would still look to replace him during the International break. Today papers over the cracks of the Luton game. That's the real Riza. Out of his depth.

I don't trust him to win many more. I would still look to replace him during the International break. Today papers over the cracks of the Luton game. That's the real Riza. Out of his depth.

Agree with what you are saying but he's here until the end of the season so we have to hope he gets it right. We should never be in the position of having "8 cup finals" but let's hope it turns out ok.

Still hope their looking for a replacement permanently.

It's a win and about time great 3 points Jon done on to the next 3 points

Every game we've lost should have been a cup final, it's no good trying now we are in trouble.

Every game we've lost should have been a cup final, it's no good trying now we are in trouble.

Agree - We should have started these Cup Finals from the Luton game of late ...After Burnley and Sunderland .

Labelling these matches as cup finals is a mistake because it increases pressure and obviously its a ridiculous cliche too.

Riza needs to throw away his Textbook of 101 Rookie Coach Soundbites and tell the players they should be aiming to win all these matches, and nothing less than throwing the kitchen sink at it will be acceptable.

Labelling these matches as cup finals is a mistake because it increases pressure and obviously its a ridiculous cliche too.

Riza needs to throw away his Textbook of 101 Rookie Coach Soundbites and tell the players they should be aiming to win all these matches, and nothing less than throwing the kitchen sink at it will be acceptable.

Phamtom cup finals should be addressed at 4 games or less.