Cardiff City’s head coach, Brian Barry-Murphy, has publicly criticized the timing of the upcoming Welsh derby against Newport County in the EFL Trophy. The match is scheduled for Tuesday at 19:45 BST.
Impact of International Call-ups
The Bluebirds face significant challenges due to several players being unavailable. The current international window sees a number of key team members away on national duty.
Players Missing the Match
- Dylan Lawlor
- Ronan Kpakio
- Isaak Davies
- Joel Colwill
- Rubin Colwill
- Dakarai Mafico
- Tanatswa Nyakuhwa
- Luey Giles
- Alex Robertson
These players are participating in various national matches. Specifically, the Wales squad is preparing for a friendly against England and a World Cup qualifier against Belgium. Additionally, some players are with the Wales Under-21 squad.
Coaching Perspective
Barry-Murphy expressed his concerns regarding the match schedule. He stated, “It is a unique situation. I have a lot of experience in this competition and have been a strong advocate of its benefits.”
The scheduling of the EFL Trophy match during an international window has sparked discussions about optimal timing for such fixtures. As Cardiff City prepares to face Newport County, the absence of key players could significantly impact their performance.
