Bluebirds boss Brian Barry-Murphy spoke to the press following City’s defeat to Chelsea in the Quarter Final of the Carabao Cup.
“I’m very proud of the players and the effort they put into the performance.” Brian began. “It’s the hope that kills you when you score a goal. I felt we were in the ascendancy and had a great chance to grab a winner, but it wasn’t to be.
“The quality of the opponent was evident from the beginning. It obviously increased when Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho came on, so it was a really high level test for us, but the players gave an amazing account of themselves."
Despite the final scoreline, City made it incredibly difficult for Chelsea throughout and deservedly found the back of the net when David Turnbull equalised with 13 minutes remaining.
Brian continued: “I think it’s just a natural feeling of disappointment and what could’ve been, but we’re playing against a calibre of individual players that are at the highest level. If you don’t concentrate every single second, they can score at any moment.
“I was amazed at the fact that David had only scored one goal for Cardiff City before tonight, but I think as he starts to get his confidence and fitness, it’s clear how much of a threat he can be in the opposition's box.
“It was a brilliant header and a brilliant goal for David, and hopefully it will give him a lot of confidence going forward.”
Cardiff City Stadium was sold out for this evening's game, with 33,027 in attendance. Brian spoke about the occasion and atmosphere, and how the Bluebirds fans helped push his side on.
“You get a taste of this type of evening, and the stadium was incredible. The supporters were right behind us, even at 3-1, right to the last minute, and it just leaves you wanting more and fuelling the fire of wanting to repeat it.
“It felt electric. Obviously, we tried to be as aggressive as we could be and really try and force the pace against a high-level team, and the supporters were right behind us all the way.
“When we scored that goal, it was a moment to savour, and it generally felt as if we could push and try and win the game, but we have no regrets. We gave it everything, we tried every single thing we knew, and on tonight’s occasion it just wasn’t enough, but on any other day it may have been.”