Birmingham City’s strategy this summer notably focused on securing Championship experience, with four of their six new signings bringing valuable second-tier knowledge. Manager Chris Davies conceded late last season that the squad’s inexperience at this level might have been a factor in their inability to mount a serious play-off challenge during their return to the Championship.
Now, equipped with a year’s additional experience and a largely settled squad, Davies prepares his team for another demanding 46-game campaign.
The Championship has become more competitive than ever on paper, following the relegation of Premier League sides West Ham, Wolves and promotion experts Burnley. Middlesbrough have invested heavily after their play-off final defeat, Southampton remain a formidable force, and Norwich, under Philippe Clement, are strong contenders.
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Davies acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “It’s widely accepted that the league is stronger with the teams coming down and the spending involved. This has created an exciting and unpredictable Championship.” He emphasised the toughness of the 24-team, 46-game season, noting that even those unfamiliar with the league appreciate its difficulty.
“Although the standard is raised this year, we’re a year into it; that bodes well for our players, and I’m looking forward to it. There’s always a bit of unknown, but I’m confident we can make an impact.”
Last year, Blues enjoyed a record-breaking season after winning League One with 111 points and made 12 signings, including notable players Kyogo Furuhashi and Marvin Ducksch. Ambitions were high with open discussions about Premier League promotion.
This season, however, the narrative is more measured. While club owners Knighthead maintain the Premier League as a key objective, Davies and captain Christoph Klarer are maintaining grounded expectations at the training ground.
Klarer reflected on the pressures of setting promotion expectations: “If you say, ‘We need to get promoted,’ people will measure you against that. We focus on improving on last year-not just results but the processes and methods. If we improve in these areas, better results will follow.”
As a respected leader within the squad, Klarer values open communication, something Davies has encouraged more throughout his tenure. He stressed the importance of trust, diverse opinions, and resolving challenges collectively.
“I’ve been captain for a year now, and I’ll do everything to help the team succeed. I trust my teammates and the manager not only as players but as individuals with the character traits I respect.”
Klarer also cited the influence of Blues investor and seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady, underscoring the importance of training standards. Quoting Brady: “If Monday to Friday is comfortable, then Saturday will be challenging.” This philosophy resonates with their approach to match readiness.
Birmingham City narrowly missed out on the play-offs last term, finishing five points shy of eighth place. Their excellent home form, second only to Coventry and Ipswich, was undermined by poor away results - only three teams accumulated fewer points on the road.
To address this vulnerability, Davies adjusted the team’s style late last season, opting for a quicker transition forward to mitigate defensive risks and adopting a more physical style of play. This emphasis on physicality and athleticism has continued in their summer recruitment.
Their recent 1-0 victory at Swansea City illustrated this new tactical template: absorbing early pressure and capitalising on set-pieces. Davies was encouraged by this performance against a side he predicts will be strong in 2023–24.
“There’s a belief within the squad that we’ve found the right blend for the Championship,” Klarer added. The team’s preparation has been near-perfect, with successive victories in pre-season followed by a cup win against Swansea. January signings Jhon Solis, Carlos Vicente and August Priske have all adapted well to English football and are set to start the season as key contributors.
“It’s a much more settled situation,” Klarer concluded. “We understand what works in this league and where we need to improve. With a good group of players and a manager we trust, I feel confident despite knowing the challenges ahead.”
Ultimately, the continuity and experience gained during last season’s campaign may provide Birmingham City with their strongest foundation as they embark on this new Championship journey.