Phil Neumann has dismissed speculation over his future at Birmingham City, insisting he is fully focused on the club despite reported interest from Hull City and Borussia Monchengladbach. The 29-year-old defender, who has two years remaining on his contract, addressed the rumours after helping Birmingham secure a 0-0 draw against Sheffield United in their Championship opener on Saturday.
Neumann's response to transfer speculation
Asked about the rumoured interest, Neumann said: “It’s not on me, my agent is getting these calls but I don’t care. My focus is on Birmingham and to do good in the season. That’s what we did in the last two games and now we want to get our first league win next week in a home game.”
Neumann, who joined Birmingham City a year ago, has been linked with Premier League newcomers Hull City and a return to Germany with Borussia Monchengladbach during the August transfer window. Despite these reports, he remains an integral part of Chris Davies' plans and started the season opener at Bramall Lane, contributing to another clean sheet on the road for Birmingham.
Improved form and competition for places
Neumann's performance has been notable after a season where Davies frequently rotated his centre-back options before settling on Neumann alongside captain Christoph Klarer for the run-in. Birmingham have also signed Championship stalwart Dael Fry from Middlesbrough, but Davies has kept faith with the in-form Neumann.
Explaining his improvement, Neumann said: “To get more physical, as you can see with the strikers it’s all about fighting and winning the duels, I would say I’ve been getting used to it over the time and feeling better. I’m just focusing on myself. Last season we had a lot of centre-halves and there were times when I haven’t played, I’m just looking at myself, playing my game and in the end the gaffer will decide the starting XI.”
Looking ahead to the first home league match
Birmingham City will aim for their first league victory of the season next week when they play at home. Neumann's commitment and form will likely be key as the team seeks to build on their solid start, which has included keeping a clean sheet in their opening Championship fixture.
