Patrick Roberts is embracing the fierce competition for places in Birmingham City's wide department, insisting it is necessary for the club's ambitions. The 29-year-old winger lost his starting spot to Carlos Vicente towards the end of last season and did not feature in Blues' final five matches.
Roberts unfazed by Vicente's arrival
Vicente, who joined from Deportivo Alaves in January for £7 million, is now the favourite to start the new season. However, Roberts, a promotion winner with Sunderland in 2025, is ready for the challenge and began pre-season with an impressive performance against Huddersfield Town.
“I think you need that, especially when you’re trying to achieve the goals that we set out to, you need good quality players across the board,” Roberts said. “Good starting players and players all pulling together trying to reach the aim.”
Positive atmosphere at the club
Roberts highlighted the positive environment at Birmingham City under manager Chris Davies. “It’s a good feel around the club. We’ve brought in some good players and I’m sure we’ll bring in some more so over the next few weeks it will be interesting.”
Now one of the most experienced players in the squad, Roberts is into double figures for pre-season campaigns. He added: “It’s always a blessing when you’re still around playing football, especially at a club like Birmingham in a fantastic league. I’m grateful for every opportunity I get to still be on the football pitch. Hopefully we can have a really good season and see how far we go.”
