Davies' Reassurance Fuels Stansfield's Decisive Strike for Birmingham
Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has revealed how a timely pep talk with striker Jay Stansfield helped inspire the forward to end his goal drought and secure a crucial victory over Leicester City. Stansfield's clinical finish proved the difference in a hard-fought 2-1 win at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, marking his tenth goal across all competitions this season.
Manager's Intervention Breaks Striker's Frustration
Speaking after the match, Davies explained that he sensed Stansfield's growing frustration during a 13-game spell without finding the net. The manager took the initiative to pull the striker aside earlier in the week, offering reassurance about his importance to the team beyond just scoring goals.
"I spoke to Jay this week about it because I sensed his frustration and reassured him that to me he is much more than a goalscorer," Davies revealed. "I don't really follow these goal droughts because he gives us so much with his pressing and intensity, his running, his selflessness and his link-up play."
Davies acknowledged the psychological importance of goals for strikers, adding: "But for him, he's a striker, they all feed off goals and that's what they really want the most and where their confidence comes from. He took it really well and that will be a weight off his shoulders no doubt."
Match Analysis: Blues Secure Fourth Win in Six Games
The victory represented Birmingham's fourth win in their last six league matches, demonstrating their improving form under Davies' leadership. The match began brightly for the home side, with in-form loanee Ibrahim Osman opening the scoring early on after dispossessing Leicester captain Ricardo Pereira.
Davies praised his team's proactive approach: "I was pleased with how we started the match. We looked like we had an aggressive stance and put them under pressure and to score from pressing was really encouraging. We work on it a lot and we are a really proactive team without the ball."
Leicester equalised through Abdul Fatawu before the game turned decisively when Bobby De Cordova-Reid received a red card for a rash challenge on Osman. Davies analysed the tactical implications: "With 10 men, as I said to the players at half-time, the biggest thing is psychological now because it sounds easier than it is. We see teams struggle all the time because there are a lot of situations on the pitch where having 10 men doesn't make any difference."
Stansfield's Moment of Redemption
The decisive moment arrived when Marvin Ducksch played a precise through ball that found Stansfield in space. The striker showed composure to finish expertly across goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, securing three vital points for Birmingham.
Davies reflected on the quality of the winning goal: "In the end it's an eye-of-the-needle pass that's gone through there from Marvin and Jay takes it well." The manager emphasised the importance of the victory, describing it as "an important three points and a well deserved victory" that demonstrates his team's growing confidence and tactical understanding.
Stansfield's return to scoring form comes at a crucial time for Birmingham, who continue to build momentum in their Championship campaign. The striker's all-round contribution, combined with his renewed confidence in front of goal, suggests Davies' man-management approach is yielding positive results for both player and team.
