Birmingham City boss says that a top-six finish is unlikely
Today, Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish spoke of his belief that guiding his club to a top-six finish in the English Premier League is a ‘nigh-on impossible’ ask.
Last season, after winning the promotion back to the top-flight at the first time of asking, McLeish impressed as he led the Blues to a finish in the top half of the EPL. His success led some pundits to believe that Birmingham would be able to push for European
qualification.
But McLeish has dismissed such talk, telling reporters today that, “It is ludicrous to suggest that [Birmingham can finish in the top six]. It is incredible that some people think that. But my experiences in the game tell me it is nigh on impossible.”
The former Rangers manager added that that the club’s goals are more modest — they will be content with simply avoiding relegation.
"We can all dream and have ambition, but there are about eight teams in there who, over a length of the season, will always come to the fore. Then the rest are fighting for the other places. If we come ninth again, it will be phenomenal. I would judge that
even better than last season. Finishing in the top 17 is our priority again."
McLeish will temporarily turn his attentions away from the league when he sends his men out to take on MK Dons in the Carling Cup tonight. He will use the opportunity to allow some players on the field who do not feature for the first-team every week, and
expects them to make the most of the opportunity.
He said that, “The guys playing tonight have got to show what they can do and put pressure on the ones who started on the weekend. They've got to say 'I'll show the manager I'm worthy of a first-team place'. The gauntlet is being thrown down to these guys
to show what they can do."
Tags: