Cardiff interim boss Omer Riza admitted he was left drained by masterminding a dramatic 2-1 Championship stoppage time comeback against Norwich City.
Riza would have settled for a point when Callum Robinson cancelled out Borja Sainz’s opener a minute from the end of normal time.
But Callum O’Dowda lashed home a winner in the 93rd minute to spark wild scenes among home fans, and maintain Riza’s six-game unbeaten run.
“It was a really emotional day,” he said. “These are the things you can’t explain sometimes, it was emotional in the changing room with the players after the game. Credit to them, it was a great comeback against a great opposition, who are a really good side, and we’ve managed to beat them.
“I think at 1-1 you’re thinking ‘Phew, they’re a good team’, but we never had any intention of not driving and try to score another goal. I would have been happy with the boys with a point, but to fight back and get that goal against a team like Norwich, I’m just ecstatic with the win, it’s a great feeling.
“We changed to a back three towards the end to try and get Callum and Ollie (Tanner) higher, and Cal has got the goal, which was a great strike from him.
“We wanted to contain their wingers; Borja Sainz is a great player. We decided to go for Andy (Rinomhota), because he’s athletic, he’s quick and he dealt with him for most of the game.
“He had that one moment of magic where he got away and it’s a great goal, credit where credit’s due. At 1-0, it's tough, but the boys dug in. We changed a few things at half time tactically, made some subs after the break and managed to get back in and win.”
Riza has taken 14 points from seven matches since replacing Erol Bulut, and revealed he held positive discussions on his longer future with the club’s top brass prior to Norwich’s visit.
“We’ve had a good constructive meeting (on Friday) and we will move forward with that,” he said. “I was really happy with the meeting and I am sure in due course the board will talk with you guys (the media).
“I have been working hard for a long-time for a position like this. This opportunity has come around and I am thankful for it and I think everyone is applying themselves the right way, we are getting results and I’d like to think that everyone is happy. We will keep moving forwards.”
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