Chris Davies openly acknowledged that his Birmingham City squad fell “well short of the level” needed to end their poor away run after a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Watford on New Year’s Day. Tom Ince’s first-half hat-trick at Vicarage Road condemned the Blues to their ninth loss in 13 away games this season.
Reflecting on the game, Davies said: “I’m extremely disappointed. We conceded some very soft goals and made it too difficult for ourselves against a strong opponent on their home turf. It was clear we weren’t anywhere near the level necessary to win. The performance was well below what you expect from a Birmingham City team and from the squad I selected.”
Frustrated fans expressed their dissatisfaction early on with chants accusing the team of playing “sideways and backwards, everywhere we go,” criticizing the side’s style of play.
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Davies responded to these chants, stating, “I didn’t hear the chanting. Regarding our style, we aim to be aggressive, to press high, keep the ball near the opposition’s goal, dominate possession, and create chances. We’re not a team that just passes around aimlessly at the back. That hasn’t been the case since I arrived, nor is it how we train.”
He added, “Our attacking style is evident, but today the problem was the pace of our play. We were too slow. Watford sat back and waited for mistakes to counter-attack. We didn’t move the ball quickly enough to break them down or deliver dangerous crosses. It wasn’t a question of style but speed, which we need to improve.”
Davies highlighted positives from previous matches, noting, “When it clicks, we’ve scored four goals in three games this season, so we know the potential is there. Unfortunately, today wasn’t one of those days.”
Tensions flared after the final whistle as some fans who remained in the away section voiced anger directly at the players. Substitute striker Marvin Ducksch was involved in an exchange with a supporter before teammates intervened to calm the situation.
Davies commented on the incident: “Our supporters are incredible; they back us passionately. They are entitled to their frustration, especially after our poor away performances. They spend money and travel miles to support the club. All we can ask is that frustration is expressed respectfully. I’m not entirely sure what happened between Marvin and the fan, but confrontation benefits no one.”
He concluded by emphasizing unity within the club: “Togetherness is vital in the dressing room and across the club. While our recent run has tested us, that spirit remains. The players’ responsibility is to fight for the badge and the fans, who have been remarkable during my time here.”