da jogodeouro： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
da bet7： It’s never too early to start talking about the managerial hot seat.
With manager’s never too far away from the sack in the modern game, and given Birmingham City’s history when it comes to managers, you can never be too sure how safe Pep Clotet is in his job.
What’s he said?
Speaking during a Q&A on Birmingham Live, before the Blackburn Rovers game, journalist Brian Dick says that he believed Clotet was doing enough to keep the board members on his side, and that he doesn’t believe he’ll be ‘in the firing line’ any time soon:
“He’s been given a very difficult job, challenge for promotion, with a new style and young players. I think you’d have to say given the upheaval he’s doing OK.”
“As regards the firing line, show me a Blues manager that hasn’t been for the last few years. I hope not, he’s an interesting guy to listen to who clearly knows his football.”
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Managing expectations
As Dick mentions, the upheaval that took place in the summer with the sudden departure of Garry Monk, as well as the dangling Sword of Damocles that was their Financial Fair Play misconduct last season, it would have left any manager in charge somewhat handcuffed when it came to doing their job this campaign.
With a poll in September among Birmingham City fans on Twitter giving an indication of what the majority of supporter’s expectations were this term, many believed they’ll be a lower mid-table team.
Thus, it is somewhat baffling to see the Birmingham faithful constantly calling for Clotet to be sacked.
Fans need to be a little calmer when it comes to results and performances this season.
This campaign should always have been about stability and getting the skeleton of a side in place during the first two transfer windows, then using that as a way of building towards something next season.
Birmingham aren’t in any position to be challenging for promotion just yet, so fans need to lower their expectations. If results like these continue into next season, then there will be cause for concern. But just like Jude Bellingham, the best is yet to come.