Birmingham City: ‘Pressure not a problem’ – Blues boss Chris Davies

He added: “Whether there’s more or less pressure now I’m not quite sure, that’s not for me to know or really say, but I do feel we’ve got a really good opportunity now. That’s how I’m looking at it.

“We have had a little bit of a sticky patch. We had one earlier in the season which we came back from. I’ve been here 18 and a half months, and there’s only one other spell that I can think of that you can class as a sticky patch.”

Birmingham have two successive home games over Christmas, against Derby County and Southampton, before a New Year’s Day trip to Watford.

“Four games in ten days is a perfect opportunity to get points on the board, performances in, and push on. We are, as a club, only going to be successful in my eyes if we stick together,” Davies said.

“It can’t always be sunshine and roses. You need to have a unity and togetherness when things are a little bit tougher, and you come through it and grow stronger. I’ve got no doubt about that. I think that’s the best road to go down as a club.”

Blues club captain Christoph Klarer apologised to fans, external for their recent performances following the Bramall Lane defeat, and Davies is hoping that encourages the squad to improve quickly.

“He’s a great captain. I’m sure the things he says publicly, he’ll say even more privately. If he’s said strong words to them, hopefully, it can galvanize them.

“That’s the type that he is. He’s a real leader. I say to them there’s talking and there’s actions. You can say what you want, but you’ve got to go and do it.”