Birmingham City Boss Revealed What He Told His Players That Led To Their “Massive” Win On Saturday

Chris Davies reveals what he told Birmingham City players after Bailey Peacock-Farrell error

Davies was delighted with Bailey Peacock-Farrell and his teammates’ reaction to the error which led to Leyton Orient’s goal in Birmingham City’s 2-1 win at Brisbane Road.

Peacock-Farrell’s poor touch gifted Orient a route back into the game seven minutes after Keshi Anderson had given Blues the lead. Blues composed themselves and scored the crucial second goal swiftly through top scorer Alfie May.

Blues have been instructed to play out from the back by Davies and Ethan Galbraith’s goal was a consequence of that. Peacock-Farrell tried to open up in possession and conceded the ball inside his own box.

While the reaction on the terraces was one of frustration, Davies felt differently. He explained: “I said to the players at half-time that if they had seen my reaction to that goal – and no one doesn’t want Birmingham City to concede a goal as much as me – it would have been a thumbs up and a keep going.

It takes courage to play this way. Bailey Peacock-Farrell has been immense with his composure, as Ryan Allsop has when he’s come into the goal, and as the centre-backs have.

“We can play a different way and we can kick the ball forward every time we have it, and it’s a 50/50 ball, and then we’re defending a lot more. Believe me, that’s a lot harder.

“I would encourage them to persevere with it. That is what’s going to happen, even with the best teams in the world. What’s important is your reaction to that and I was so happy that they continued to play. That’s a real sign of strong characters that they continued to play our way and our game.

“It’s a process. You want to build up from the back because it gives us possession and control of the game. I was really happy with the reaction.”

At the other end of the field May continues to make an impact. The striker was crowned PFA League One Player of the Year in midweek for his 27-goal 2023/24 campaign for Charlton and celebrated with another goal for his new club.

Davies commented: “He works extremely hard and was involved in both of the goals. He set the press for Keshi Anderson’s goal and the second reminded me of the one he scored (in pre-season) and West Brom where he took his time and rounded the goalkeeper. He’s very calm in those situations and it’s three in three games for him.

“For me, it’s more about what he’s doing with his work ethic and he sets the tone for the team. Credit to Alfie.”