What influence Pep Guardiola has had on new Cardiff City boss Brian Barry-Murphy | OneFootball

Brian Barry-Murphy has opened up on his new role

Brian Barry-Murphy says his time working under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City has shaped his coaching philosophy as he embarks on a new challenge as Cardiff City’s head coach.

The 46-year-old Irishman was appointed on a three-year deal this week, taking over at the Welsh side following their relegation to League One.

Barry-Murphy leaves a first-team coaching role at Leicester City, where he worked under Ruud van Nistelrooy, to begin his first senior managerial post since leaving Rochdale in 2021.

How Pep Guardiola’s mentorship inspired Brian Barry-Murphy’s Cardiff City move

Barry-Murphy spent three years managing Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad, helping develop players in their world-class academy. That period, he told The Irish Examiner, was transformative.

"I don't want to over exaggerate but I've been in the shadows of Pep Guardiola for three years, where you watch and learn from arguably the greatest mind in football.

"You see so many things that make sense of how you see the game and the way you want to do things in the future. Not copy him but you take so much from him and you almost want to put that to the test and bring it to life."

The former Preston North End and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder said Guardiola actively encourages his staff to test themselves outside the Etihad bubble: "He also really wants you to push yourself and to test yourself. He's always wary of people staying at that club too long and almost becoming comfortable because he's such a huge figure and someone you can almost be in awe of for such a long period.

"It feels quite nerve-wracking for certain people to leave that environment."

That’s exactly what Barry-Murphy intends to be at Cardiff, telling The Irish Examiner that he believed the South Wales side would allow him to “be my own man”.

He says the club’s clear vision and focus on youth development were decisive factors in accepting the job, as well as addressing historic rumours that had linked him to the Bluebirds.

"It just felt right at every stage of the process. There was never a moment where I had any doubts.

"This time it felt totally different, I think probably one because of where the club's at and then two because of the opportunity that I sensed was here.

"It felt aligned with my sense of where I am in my career and what I want to achieve and it felt like the perfect fit."

Cardiff City rebuild begins with youth-focused manager at the helm

Barry-Murphy’s appointment ends Cardiff’s prolonged managerial search following Omer Riza’s sacking and a brief interim spell from Aaron Ramsey.

He brings with him City academy coach Lee Riley as assistant, having previously worked together at Rochdale.

Owner Vincent Tan described Barry-Murphy as “the right man” to lead the club’s rebuild: "He’s got a proven track record in youth development, enthusiasm, and an exciting outlook. It’s a combination of all Brian’s talents that make him the right man for the job."

As Cardiff prepare for their first season in League One since 2003, Barry-Murphy is keen to implement a modern, attacking style built around promising academy talent - many of whom, he believes, are ready to rise with him.