Salech Suggests Wrexham Are ‘Looking for a Rival’ After 2-1 EFL Cup Defeat to Cardiff

Cardiff centre-forward Yousef Salech pulled no punches in his post-match interview with BBC Sport after his side defeated Wrexham 2-1 to progress to the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup. 

Yousef Salech celebrating with Rubin Colwill & Isaak Davies after scoring

Touching on the pre-match build-up from Wrexham, Salech said, “I think this game maybe meant more to them than us! The fact that they’re looking for a rival, they’re looking for a derby or someone to compare themselves to. I don’t see them as anything like that right now.” 

Salech opened the scoring after just 13 minutes with a poacher's effort following Omari Kellyman’s shot being saved.  

On his goal, he said, “As a striker, when you see that rebound coming to you, it’s Christmas Day, a present in front of you to grab with your name on as well.” 

It was a dominant opening 45 minutes from the Bluebirds, who blew away their Welsh compatriots and were unfortunate not to hold a more comfortable lead. 

Salech was not surprised by their first-half performance. He praised manager Brian Barry-Murphy and his coaching staff for their preparation, saying they knew exactly what to expect from the Red Dragons. 

He stated, “It was as we expected, channel runs, long balls, very direct play. We knew we would have time on the last line. He (Brian Barry-Murphy) wanted us to commit to them, and dribble and cause them trouble”. 

The 6ft 5 striker grinned cheekily as he once again reiterated, “So, no.” he was not surprised by the sheer dominance they had across the first half. 

“We’re working on a long-term goal of smashing the league, but it’s nice to have something else to focus on, while doing the main goal,” Salech admitted.  

When asked whether Wrexham’s rapid rise and newfound global fame provided extra motivation, Salech’s answer was simple: “No, not really. I don’t need motivation from them, we wanted to get to the last eight and win a football game.” 

With a final word to the fans, Salech said, “Our fans were amazing, it felt like a home game again.”  

Salech’s goal tonight took him to six in all competitions for the Bluebirds this season. While he has no preference for Cardiff’s next opponents, Bluebirds fans will already be dreaming of a potential giant-killing against a Premier League ‘Big Six’ side back at the CCS.