Aaron Ramsey has replaced Omar Riza as Cardiff City manager with just three games of the EFL Championship season remaining. The decision was made after the Good Friday defeat at Sheffield United, which left the Welsh club 23rd in the table and one point from safety.
Ramsey, 34, will lead the side for Monday’s crunch gome game against Oxford United. He will be assisted by former Wales team-mate and Chris Gunter, and Cardiff midfielder Joe Ralls. Gavin Ward will continue as goalkeeping coach while academy managers Matt Bloxham and Tom Hutton will be part of his technical staff.
A club statement said: “We’d like to thank Omer for his passion and effort during his time as Cardiff City manager and wish him the very best for his next steps in the game.”
Ramsey, 34, started out at Cardiff before cementing iconic status at Arsenal. Between 2008 and 2019, he played 369 games for the Gunners and played a major role in three FA Cup wins, scoring the winner in the finals in 2014 and 2017.
He rejoined the Championship side in 2023 but his second stint has been injury-plagued. However, he’s managed just eight league games this season and is currently recovering from a hamstring problem.
Riza joined Cardiff in June 2024 as first team coach in Turkish manager Erol Bulut’s backroom staff. In September, he was appointed as interim manager following Bulut’s sacking and later given the job full-time.
A 3-0 derby win over Swansea in January seemingly cemented his popularity amongst the Cardiff fans. However, a harrowing run of form has followed, with the club winning just twice in 14 league games.
Ahead of the defeat at Bramall Lane, he labelled supporters “clueless” for criticising his team and style of play. During the game, he 45-year-old was serenaded by chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” by the away contingent.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk