Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has issued a direct challenge to striker Kyogo Furuhashi, telling the Japanese international it is time to 'make it happen' and end his prolonged goal drought.
A Frustrating Run of Form
The 30-year-old forward arrived at St Andrew's with a prolific reputation forged at Celtic, but has failed to score a single Championship goal for the Blues. His only strike for the club came in a Carabao Cup tie against Sheffield United back in August.
This dry spell extends back to his time in France, meaning Kyogo has now gone through the entire 2025 calendar year without a league goal for either Birmingham or his former club, Rennes. Statistics reveal he has missed 10 'big chances' in the second tier this season, the highest number for any player yet to get off the mark.
Managerial Support Turns to Pressure
Davies has been protective of his striker throughout the campaign but has now publicly turned the screw. "It has been a frustration for Kyogo, a frustration for himself more than anyone else," Davies stated. "He really wanted to come here, play regularly, score goals and get back in that Japan squad."
The manager acknowledged Kyogo's professionalism and work ethic, but was clear on the bottom line. "He’s had quite a few chances... and he hasn’t capitalised. He knows that. He’s good enough to do it, he’s shown that, but he needs to go and make it happen now. No one else is going to do it for him."
The Striker's Battle for Confidence
Davies believes that one goal could be the catalyst, noting that confidence is crucial for any goalscorer. Despite his struggles, Kyogo continues to receive strong backing from the Birmingham supporters, who regularly chant his name in hope of an ignition.
"He’s desperate to do it," Davies emphasised. "He has a lot of backing within the dressing room... but there comes a point where you’ve got to make it happen. That’s the job of a striker." The manager's comments set the stage for Birmingham's upcoming fixture against Sheffield United, leaving a big decision on whether to start the misfiring forward.
