CATCH UP FOR THE CUP

Barry-Murphy's no fear of pal Maresca

- BY PHIL BLANCHE

CARDIFF manager Brian Barry-Murphy is relishing a reunion with Enzo Maresca and an attempt to deliver a Carabao Cup shock against Chelsea.

Five-time winners Chelsea play Barry-Murphy’s League One leaders in front of a soldout Cardiff City Stadium tonight with a semifinal place at stake.

Barry-Murphy is a familiar face for several Chelsea players having worked with Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia and Liam Delap during his time in the Manchester City academy, Robert Sanchez in his role as Rochdale manager and Facundo Buonanotte when a first-team coach at Leicester last season.

The 47-year-old Irishman also knows Maresca well from his time at City and says the Italian had a “big influence” when he was Pep Guardiola’s assistant during the 2022-23 season.