Alex Dicken’s latest Birmingham City notebook features Lukas Jutkiewicz, Garry Cook and the Blues teams that are doing well
Birmingham City lost 2-0 to Coventry City on Friday, which extended the team’s terrible performance under Wayne Rooney.
Since taking over for John Eustace two months ago, Rooney has overseen a stretch of six losses in nine games, and Blues are beginning to worry about them. In the Championship, 17th-place Blues were forced to concede four points to QPR after they won their third straight game on Saturday.
The Blues management acknowledges that the current winning streak cannot last.After Blues’ most recent setback, club captain Lukas Jutkiewicz took the stand to speak with the media and acknowledged that the team’s confidence has been eroding.
You could say so, according to Jutkiewicz. “Confidence grows from results. But in the end, as professional football players, we have to figure out a way to win against tough opponents. Since nobody else will help us escape, we must band together, support one another, and find a way out.
On Wednesday, Blues play Cardiff City in seventh place. If they don’t improve significantly, it will be the ninth straight away loss.
Garry Cook regarding moves in January
Before the January transfer window starts, there are still five games left to play during the hectic holiday season. The Blues are already looking to add more players, but they will always keep Financial Fair Play rules in mind while making deals.
When it comes to the EFL’s strict Profitability and Sustainability (P&S) regulations, Blues have very little wiggle room. “We have some considerations that we’re going through and there’s a whole bunch of highly qualified people that make those decisions,” said CEO Garry Cook. In addition to Craig Gardner leading our technical department and Wayne Rooney serving as manager, we also have a scouting branch. While we chat, they are observing the players.
Blues are predicted to have a busier summer window. Many veteran players, such as Scott Hogan, Ivan Sunjic, and Neil Etheridge, have contracts expiring in July, thus their pay will be paid out of pocket.
Because of this, St Andrew’s administrators are hesitant to make significant changes to their team in January. Cook has emphasized that Rooney must initially make do with the tools at his disposal, so minor adjustments seem likely.
The Blues CEO added: āThe numbers are staggering to identify the ones that will actually be able to come. January is a particularly challenging month. Itās not one that is easy to work in.
āAt the same time, weāve got great players. I always worry when everyone starts to look forward to the window. Weāve got some great players and they will get better. Thatās the commitment that the coaching staff are making, and the commitment that support staff are making. Letās make everybody better before we worry about how to replace everybody.ā
Itās not all badā¦
Fortunately, the first teamās form hasnāt been contagious. The women are soaring after working through their own early season troubles and advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday with a 2-0 win at MK Dons.
Darren Carterās side have taken 19 points from the last 21 on offer in the Womenās Championship to put themselves back in contention for promotion to the Super League. Blues are one of five teams separated by just two points at the top of the table.
The under-21s are thriving, too. A brace from hot-shot Junior Dixon helped Steve Spoonerās side defeat Ipswich Town 4-2 in the Premier League Cup on Friday night.
Bluesā youngsters are top of the Professional Development League table after eight victories from their opening 14 fixtures. Blues have won five of their last six matches, including a 3-1 triumph over title rivals Sheffield United.
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