Michael Reindorf’s run of goals for the junior team has earned him a permanent promotion to Cardiff City’s first team training group.
After leaving Norwich City, this weekend’s opponents, to join Omer Riza’s team as a free agent in the summer, the 19-year-old has made an impression in front of goal, tallying 12 goals for the under-21 team.
The forward has not yet been included in a Championship matchday squad this season, despite having strong performances against Bristol Rovers and Southampton in Carabao Cup games. He also provided his first professional assist for Rubin Colwill’s screamer against the Saints.
Amid’struggles’ and team omissions, the manager acknowledges that he made a mistake with the Cardiff City striker.
After reading remarks on the Cardiff City outcome, Omer Riza removed all social media accounts.
Bluebirds fans are once again debating Reindorf’s name after he scored another game-winning goal for the under-21s in this week’s mini-South Wales derby, which you can read more about here.
Some people are adamant that the jump is just too great for them and that they need to gain first-team experience elsewhere before trying to force their way in. Some people think that until someone is given the chance, you will never be able to tell if he is ready.
In addition, Cardiff’s other strike options—Wilfried Kanga and Yakou Meite—have been in terrible form in front of goal, which exacerbates the issue. With nailed-on starting Callum Robinson doubtful due to injury for Saturday’s visit from the Canaries, Riza’s striker position is rapidly becoming problematic.
Additionally, Riza has made Reindorf a regular presence in first-team training sessions after noticing his performance for the under-21s, although it seems like he still has a ways to go before surpassing others in the hierarchy. Get our Cardiff City newsletter every day by subscribing here.
“I try to attend as many of the under-21 games as I can, and I’ve attended a lot of them. I was down in London and couldn’t make it to the Swansea one,” Riza remarked.
“The under-21s are performing well, and he is working hard. Kudos to the staff there, Blox (Matthew Bloxham), and the other staff members nearby.” He has a lot of work ahead of him, but he’s doing some excellent things both in and out of possession. He only arrived this year and is still quite young.
“I’ve had a few conversations with Michael, and he has finally been training with the first team for the past two or three weeks. I felt that this was crucial because you can’t just call people up to the first team and expect them to perform without practicing.
They were the first to train him. Although it was intermittent, he is currently training with the first team full-time. He will now have the opportunity to demonstrate his abilities.
“I did tell Michael that in order to be given the chance to play, he needed to outperform the other players who practice and play with you every single day. He’s doing fine right now. He must continue to work hard. While there have occasionally been pleasant moments, there are still many areas that want improvement.
“I don’t mean to offend him. He is a young man who, for his age, is in and around the first team. He has already made his debut in Cardiff, but we must adopt a reasonable strategy.”
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The Ivory Coast international has had a difficult time adjusting to his new club, which makes one wonder how much of a discussion this would be if Kanga had taken off right away.
It’s true that he started for Erol Bulut in a team that was having trouble at the start of the season and that Robinson has since displaced him in the hierarchy, denying him opportunities. With Meite and Kanga out of form and Kion Etete and Isaak Davies both sidelined, that front line suddenly appears to be severely lacking options in Robinson’s absence. Should the Irishman fail a late fitness test, Kanga is certain to start.
Riza, however, is unwilling to lose up on the former France youth player, who has shown promise in training with his finishing ability. Rather, the interim manager expects he will improve in the upcoming weeks and wants to give him a fair shot at the job.
“I’ve had a couple conversations with Willy. Players find it challenging; they don’t mean to perform poorly or fail to score goals, and he needs some self-assurance,” Riza continued.
“Hopefully, he will get the opportunity to score. You don’t simply lose a guy because he hasn’t done it yet; that’s what matters. He has been more focused during training, and I still believe he has more to offer. He works hard and has a decent character. All I want to do is give him a fair chance to attempt to discover who he is.
“I used to be a striker, so I understand how tough it can be to miss opportunities. You may start grasping at things or second-guessing yourself, taking an additional touch when you could have hit the first time.
“Since I joined the squad, he has only participated in games. Every player wants to be a part of the team after observing the style, the system, and our actions. Though he’s been working hard in training, I know he’s come on (from the bench) and occasionally hasn’t been able to do enough.
When he finishes well during training, there are moments when we ask ourselves, ‘Did you see Willy Kanga’s finishing today?’
Thus, he is capable. Which would you prefer: losing a player or winning one? I’ll say that over and over again.