How Birmingham City are GLIDING past League One teams | Tactical Breakdown

[@stevebrooks9119]

As a Blues fan this was an excellent analysis of Birmingham's tactics. More people should watch theses guys for an insight into the complex and sometimes baffling tactics teams are trying to use these days. Thanks guys and keep up the good work...

[@thefootballpark]

Thanks so much for watching. We'll be back every week with a video like this

[@ML-Brumski]

Absolutely! You nailed it with your insights on Paik and Iwata. Their composure on the ball really reminds me of Barry Ferguson-such a crucial quality in the game. Keep the great analysis coming!

[@dorsetblues4897]

Very good analysis. Many blues fans moaning about passing out from the back but opposition teams have to then commit 2 or 3 players to press. This leave gaps behind them and if you can pass through them - that's where you create opportunities. Always a gamble but worth it in my opinion.

[@James22463]

Analysis is spot on. Many blues fans have their concerns with BPF after making multiple mistakes so far this season. Hopefully the first clean sheet will build some confidence.

[@poppad331]

To be fair on him, he was blatantly fouled for the goal vs Wrexham. A weak punch out but then he was bundled into the goal by 2 Wrexham players before the shot came in

[@krishankaushal8422]

@@poppad331 it’s not just the Wrexham game tho mate it’s every goal we have conceded so far this season has been either a bad save from him or him giving the ball away when we play out from the back. Tbh at this level when u play like that ur always gonna concede poor goals from giving the ball away at the back but it’s the ones against Wigan where he fumbled it straight at him that concern me. Hopefully he gets his confidence up and he’ll be fine but he’s not been good so far.

[@mitch8015]

​@krishankaushal8422 I don't disagree to say he should be saving shots but I wholly disagree with saying he hasn't been good so far. I think he's been pivotal at creating out playing from the back style. He was shaky at first but so were half our team. It'd be hard at the level were at to get a keeper that's both good with their hands and feet - if we found a keeper that could do that, they wouldn't be playing for us. If we wanted a keeper good with hands, we'd have kept ruddy - but he was useless at playing from tbe back

[@AL4LUKE]

The first clean sheet did not build confidence 😂

[@pkk2880]

Very good analysis chaps!! And credit to you for mentioning the huge part Chris Davies is playing. Everyone talks about the money we’ve spent but rarely about the quality of the coaching. He is a fantastic manager who is destined for great success (hopefully with Blues) KRO!!

[@thefootballpark]

It's not just about how much you spend, but what you spend it on and how you use it. Thank you for watching

[@VRB.247]

All of you don't Realise this is a brand new team only 3or4 players left from last season

[@jubrum2476]

The very impressive thing about Birmingham is how quickly the players have started to work with each other. Its effectively a team that got together just weeks before the season started and they have been very effective. They are capable and will build together hopefully to storm the championship next season too.

[@TheInline5]

I think this is the 1st video I've watched in a long time that is a proper analyst and technical breakdown without bias and resonates with me greatly. The weakness you've mentioned has been a concern for the fans and rightly highlighted but don't forget we have 2 championship keepers with no clear number 1. If BPF form doesn't improve Allsop is ready and waiting in the wings who played 40 odd games in the championship last season for a team that finished 7th! The biggest weakness for Blues is actually team cohesion, 17 players were brought in and the side is only 66-75% of it's maximum potential.

[@stephenbrookes492]

I’m a Birmingham City fan, but I’ve got to admit that was one of the best and most knowledgeable podcasts breaking down the Blues team and their tactics. In fact it’s quite obvious from the start , that you all are extremely intelligent about everything you spoke about. Not only that, being young lads who aren’t Birmingham fans, you knew your stuff and quite frankly you explained our tactics and what roles each player does so clearly and accurate I admit to being an instant fan of your podcasts . It was a pleasure watching your analysis of our team even if I a am a Birmingham supporter . Well done lads and I’ll be watching all your videos from now on. Also thanks for the compliments where they were due. Excellent 💯💙KRO

[@thefootballpark]

Thanks so much for the kind words Stephen!

[@midsfella]

I've never heard anyone talk in such depth about my team, a really interesting insight too. Cheers KRO

[@neilcook-ni3wv]

First look at the channel and was very impressed guys. Great knowledge of what Chris Davies and his team are doing at the Blues. It’s a quality of football I’ve never seen down at St Andrews and I’ve been going since 1970. It’s a strange surreal experience seeing us win all the time but as with all Blues fans we know that there is always the opportunity for a banana skin. KRO

[@HB2K-h8m]

Great breakdown. The one thing I would say about BPF (and this is true of Allsop as well, who was the worst shot stopper in the championship last season) is that someone as good on the ball as both of them are is bound to have weaknesses at this level. If they were superb shot stoppers and great with crosses and brilliant with their feet they'd not be in L1. Those are premier league attributes. So I think you have to take that weakness if you want the upside on the ball.

[@callumjones2162]

This popped up on my suggested and I’m glad it did. As a Blues fan this is a great break down and you three show some top knowledge. Nice one lads keep up the good work

[@rickyr7007]

Another blue nose and agree, a very good tactical analysis. I think Allsop was expected to be first choice but BPF had a couple of decent games towards the end of preseason to pip him. Interestingly no one owns the number 1 shirt, so maybe Davies is/was undecided. I think for sure there’s a potential weakness there with the keeper, so whilst good with his feet and managing the play out the back a lot better than Ruddy did, he is not a Ruddy in terms of shot stopping so could be exposed there. Time will tell. The only other weakness for me is if there is clever counter possession with a quick forward line. The left or right side wings would need to be exposed and that’ll be for the opposing team to figure out where there’s more space. If TGH is up the pitch, and Cochrane has pushed into the zone 13/14 space. Then a quick aggressive press to win the ball and get it down the right could expose us and give the opposition an opportunity. However, it would have to be turned over similar to the speed of Leicester’s count attack win at St Andrews last season, because this team does transition well back into defence and wins the ball back quickly.

[@sleepwalker6825]

Quality Lads .. Cheers for that I can't pick out anything You may have got Wrong .. Great Analysis of the Blues KRO to the Championship

[@Hazman35]

Wonderful analysis as a blues fan. Great depth and spot on talking about individuals in the side and Chris Davies' intent tactically. First time seeing this content so look forward to seeing more! KRO

[@AdeyFrew-iw8jo]

Great analysis. As a bluenose i do have to point out that you had hansson's face up while talking about cochrane........ easy mistake to make

[@thefootballpark]

We apologise for the error - won't happen again. Thanks so much for watching.

[@uptheblues1875]

Regarding the goalkeeper weakness, i totally agree, BPF has been poor, and Allsop has been performing much better in the few cameos hes made in cup games, so i hope Davies gives him a chance to play

[@Brumizona]

Great video lads, glad this popped up in my algorithm, subbed

[@thefootballpark]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@lorentaylor593]

Absolutely spot on. Excellent analysis. The scariest thing is I think we are only in second gear. We will just get better. Especially with the manager we have. He's the best signing of the summer

[@chrisgoulding3992]

Good work lads. Really enjoyable watch.

[@Theboyinblue92]

Blues fan here, great analysis on blues tactics breaking it down in depth, some people find it abit confusing which is understandable the game today has changed but for the people unsure hopefully this will make it better to understand, new subscriber great content lads 👏🏼

[@thefootballpark]

Thank you. We glad you enjoyed the video!

[@SirKaje]

A fantastic analysis, you guys should be bigger than you are - superb future in the game.

[@thefootballpark]

Thanks so much!

[@anthonybeard4141]

A good watch, in fairness to the keeper, Rotherham tried to put it on him and he dealt with it very well. Made some great claims under pressure from their set pieces

[@citizenscriv]

Nice one, very good analysis, nice to hear opinions backed up with solid stats and facts

[@ConnBlue]

Great job guys. Nice pic of Paik with in a Barca shirt, quality💙

[@rafd3593]

Can Posh spring a surprise on Brum? Possibly. We didn’t play well away to Leyton Orient, despite drawing. Expect a reaction to that on Saturday, and quality play from Kwame Poku.

[@harrybcfc3441]

At 4mins you’ve used a picture of Emil Hanson and not Cochrane who he’s talking about

[@briancorrigan120]

Blues fan,good analysis lads, KRO

[@markwedderburn3147]

Nice work, accurate, insightful. Cheers KRO

[@thefootballpark]

Thank you!

[@fingaynor9167]

Bang on about the goalkeeper allsop has looked miles better when he’s played in the cup with his feet and without

[@stewartrosser5772]

He has looked miles above BPF

[@The_wulf89]

He’s leaked so many goals that’s why he’s number 2 and his kicking isn’t better Chris Davies knows best

[@Scoobay]

He saved a pen but that’s about it. BPF has had more to do and for the most part he’s done it well. Couple mistakes for sure, but I’m sure they’ll be ironed out as the season progresses. As long as we’re scoring more than the opposition then it’s all good.

[@The_wulf89]

@@Scoobay his game against Walsall was bad his distribution to the half way is almost impossible even in pre season he leaks the goals in

[@harryworth8157]

If & when they get promoted , I think Blues will be looking for a new Goalkeeper ?

[@PACEUK22]

This video is brilliant. You guys really know your stuff and it’s really enlightening. Subscribed!

[@thefootballpark]

Thanks so much!

[@lindamagner2259]

Really interesting and fair Analysis. Thank you.

[@hetrodoxlysonov-wh9oo]

As a long term Birmingham supporter this talk makes me nervous, it's an emotional roller-coaster being a Bluenose.

[@thefootballpark]

Do you not think Birmingham are certain to go up this season?

[@hetrodoxlysonov-wh9oo]

@@thefootballpark I do think they'll go up but it doesn't stop me being nervous, I'll have to get use to success.

[@BLS5432]

@@thefootballparkit’s difficult. You would think we are, just never know what happens if/ when complacency sets in! CD seems pretty dead set on ensuring we don’t get complacent but surely that’s difficult? Never want to jinx it but realistically, if we don’t finish top 2 at a minimum this season then 15 out of our 20+ man squad must have had severe injuries 😅

[@Ooshgaar]

​@thefootballpark I think most of us do think so, but we're all whipped puppies. We're all waiting for the bubble to burst, and the times to go tough. Why wouldn't we? That's exactly what we've experienced for the last decade, if not more. Like the whipped puppy, we're going to need to learn how to accept the love that is Mr. Wagner & Co. But trauma is a hard thing to forget.

[@DjDeanB]

Fair play lads, top analysis of the blues. KRO.

[@stewartrosser5772]

Great video - shame you missed out what a miss Laird is at RB. Almost the missing piece. Agree with BPF, he has not been amazing but is certianly the area of concern atm

[@Scoobay]

Not sure why Sampsted hasn’t been given a start. Always looks good when he comes on.

[@DjDeanB]

​@@ScoobayI agree mate, I like laird, top lad and all that but I feel his final product is usually below par.

[@BLS5432]

@@Scoobaybecause TGH is challenging Laird for a spot when he is back fit. TGH has been class in the spot and I don’t even know if Laird displaces him when he’s back because of TGH’s final ball being better.

[@BLW..90]

Cochrane will be our most consistent player this season. Klarer bielik at the back can play so relaxed under the press. The extra man dropping into positions iwata and paik dropping for the ball. Alot of off the ball runs etc tire teams out. Quality watch. KRO 💙

[@derekrothwell7099]

Superb analysis on this lads really enjoyed it. KRO.

[@benshipley3457]

We can only play this way because Davies has got them so fit. Many of the players have mentioned that the training is really intense and its nice to see it paying off on match days.

[@markfewtrell5242]

Great analysis . BPF will improve as will everyone in this team we are up to about 80% I believe there is more to come we have good Squad depth too .

[@Blues_Focus]

Refreshing to see such an in depth analysis from opposition fans👏

[@elstongunn4485]

This was spot on lads, really enjoyed it and have subscribed. Spot on with BPF in goal, I think we'll bring in a top keeper for next season. Only other worry for me is the lack of pace at the back, would like to see a good, quick 1v1 defender brought in next year also. KRO

[@PaulB90]

Excellent 👌

[@kian6340]

Class analysis

[@RoderickTyler-l9d]

Spot on with your analysis the achilles heel is the goalkeeper to many mistakes

[@numerounouk]

Outstanding analysis lads 👏

[@thefootballpark]

Thanks!

[@poppad331]

Great video and analysis. Although everyone taks about money spent, we recieved about £12M on players sold and more importantly reduced our wage bill by a huge amount. £820k for a midfield pairing of Paik and Iwata is a bargain, has L1 ever seen a better midfield partnership. Both top class, and they will be class next season in the Championship 😉

[@thefootballpark]

Who do you think is the most important player in the Birmingham side?

[@nathanlowe75]

@@thefootballparkpaik

[@tonycardall7334]

Cochrane is a left back . Willumsson was playing 10 until we signed Stansfield now hes an attacking midfielder and May is playing behind Stansfield but runs everywhere anyway.

[@DustyJaneway]

Brilliant and insightful analysis guys, really enjoyed this video as a Bluenose 👍 ~Catherine

[@thefootballpark]

Thanks Catherine!

[@briancorrigan120]

Blues fan, good discussion lads,-we should go up with this squad,-but not taking anything for granted,-lv,e been a fan for to long and had many let downs over the years,-but fingers crossed,-good pod,KRO

[@joeswift5296]

I agree about the goalie concerns. He’s probably walking a tightrope with Ryan Allsop as backup. He’s no slouch between the sticks.

[@oldnblue]

Blues fan here - fair and accurate analysis imo, good stuff guys - but one thing missed is the strength of the bench, even with quite a few injuries to contend with incl Laird, Buchanan, Sanderson, not forgetting May , Yokoyama , Wright and Davies I believe the real challenge CD will have is to rotate the personnel and keep those players match ready, fresh and motivated A nice problem to have

[@oldnblue]

Oh sorry, forgot to mention Leonard who is a class player, ideal to step into one of the double pivot roles, and Sampsted an international RB

[@kevinpaterson3300]

I will wait till Xmas to see where we are. This is usually a good indicator of the team’s performances, I don’t judge on the 1st to 10th game as they’re still finding that balance. I’m always skeptical on blues always letting us down 😂😂😂.

[@JackSkipp-x4m]

Band in analysis lads 👏🏻 KRO

[@adamw2307]

Just a small point but I think that's Hansson you show a graphic of, not Cochrane....

[@adamw2307]

Yes double checked, it is Emil Hansson 👍

[@Brutus-id4je]

Blues fans can already see Stansfield scoring for Blues in the premier league at Villa park

[@originaldamo]

Hat trick too 👍

[@Ccrimm]

Sick video tbf

[@thefootballpark]

Thanks so much

[@blue78pl]

blues fan here good analysis lads fair play 👍🏻

[@thefootballpark]

Thank you!

[@brukillaz7886]

It's a royal blue future KRO ZW

[@aaronbastable8969]

That’s Hanson🤣🤣🤣

[@michaelhill9488]

Lets be honest every team has some sort of weakness, but if your averaging 70-80% possession the opposition need to take chances they get, at this level that dont really happen alot.

[@thefootballpark]

Exactly! It was hard to actually find a weakness in the side

[@SimonReed-ef8pz]

Feeling old watching you boys!, great analysis and you really know your stuff, don't do anymore on my team please - don't want the opposition getting any clues KRO

[@roberius79]

None of this would be possible if it wasn't for Tom Wagner and Knighthead. Bringing in Chris Davies was a masterstroke. Not a lot had heard of him but he is 10 times the manager WR would be now. That's the difference.

[@JustMyFish]

Hmm Unstoppable is a little bet over to top. It's a definite overpowered team for league 1 with backup to match. The Birmingham team IMO are a top 6 Championship team in respect of quality Its money well spent but not just that the Manager is a real tactician that could rival and primer league Manager. I see this team being in the primer league within the next 3 years. The owners will be looking to improve on and build a midtable primer league once they are promoted to the Championship.

[@jackgreenway4646]

Blues didnt spend this money to just get out of League 1, they want to build the team ready to have a proper go at the championship.

[@keegbcfc7147]

You enjoy watching Cochrane so much that you've put Hanssons photo up for him

[@uptheblues1875]

Said it at the start of the season, our most important signing was Chris Davies, more than any other player we've signed

[@thefootballpark]

How far do you think Chris Davies can take this Birmingham side?

[@VRB.247]

All the way to the top, trust me 😊

[@uptheblues1875]

@@thefootballpark all the way to the prem, just hope spurs don't come after him like united did for McKenna

[@fattony4957]

I tell you what’s more impressive Blues having 26,000+ fans through the gates again

[@ianwilliams6783]

Wrong photo for cochrane FYI

[@VinKro]

We have not spent 30 million ffs

[@mrperbunan2821]

That ain't Cochrane in the bubble it's Hansen....😂

[@slightlyconfused876]

Remember Stansfield scored 13 in the Championship last year.

[@matthewwilliams8339]

Up the blues!

[@andrewlaunchbury7970]

Knows it u do pal

[@StevenTerry-z7s]

That’s Hanson not Cochrane

[@steve13191]

quick answers: money. having championship players and players were even too good for the championship like paik is the reason lads. same tactics same manager and you give him salford city squad i dont think this manager looks even half as good. of course you’re always welcomed living in dreamland and positivity. but at the end of the day birmingham got paik a premier league level player and stansfield a 15 million striker and the rest of league one dont. judge birmingham and their manager next year when they play in championship, right now it’s best to ignore

[@rayeverett8501]

Exactly the same principle in every Division. Money rules, but you still need a good manager who understands his players, can motivate, organise and is tactically astute. It took other big clubs a few seasons to get promoted back to the Championship. Other teams in the Division will play to their full 100% for the scalp, so Blues will always have to be up for the fight and earn the wins

[@paulgearing3018]

What i cany understand is how they (Brum) got relegated last year if they had so much money. Easy 3 points at the Valley Saturday.We only SELL players and never BUY. Been following them for over 65 years (i'm 77) Nothing changes

[@markwalker2627]

You missed out on the depth of the squad, 2nd 11 would get near or in the playoffs

[@Scoobay]

Last year’s player of the season and top scorer of the season both on the bench 😂

[@courtneywalcott513]

@@ScoobayStansfield won player of year.

[@loganharrison2809]

⁠@@courtneywalcott513they mean last seasons league ones player of season and top scorer not Birmingham

[@mimigization]

Based on the Rotherham match, this would be our best team of the remaining players. Allsop, Laird, Buchanan, Bielik, Sanderson, Leonard, Wright, Harris, Anderson Juke, May subs Yokohama, Sampsted, Khela. I genuinely think that team would secure a play off position at least.

[@fremdillonfamily4852]

Huh... And here I thought it was because they spent an insane amount of money for League 1.

[@marcaspery3033]

The picture you used for Cochrane was Hansson

[@CAFC_BEN]

…

[@terryjross1184]

Purposeful control 😂 sounds like a bully husband What a load of self indulgent tosh

[@Ian-vv6tf]

To the presenter: can you not speak without constantly waving your hand about ?

[@thefootballpark]

Of course Ian. Hand waving will be strictly monitored going forward. Thanks so much for watching.

[@Ian-vv6tf]

👍

[@PaulElstins-gt2qc]

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