Wotte’s verdict – Birmingham City

Saints’ Head Coach Mark Wotte was disappointed with his side after they saw their three game winning streak come to an end as Birmingham won 1-0 at St Andrew’s on Saturday.

Despite the defeat, the 52-year-old is confident his side can recover quickly and get back to winning ways as Nigel Clough’s Derby visit St Mary’s on Tuesday night.

Speaking to saintsfc.co.uk, Wotte said, “I think we underperformed a little bit, if you compare it with the last three games. We can play better and we will have to do so, but I didn’t think we deserved to win today,” he admitted.

Birmingham piled on the pressure throughout the game, with Saints’ defence having to deal with countless attacks. However, McLeish’s side finally found a way through on the stroke of half-time after a moment’s lapse in concentration at the back.

“When they scored a goal just before half-time I thought it was not a good 10 or 15 minutes from us.

“It was a frustrating goal for a coach, because you see people not acting and only reacting and then everybody was late and then they score a goal after they’ve played almost ten minutes with ten men.”

A clash of heads between Jason Euell and Birmingham captain Lee Carsley meant the hosts were temporarily reduced to ten men whilst the former Everton man received treatment.

Saints failed to take advantage of their extra man, meaning that Wotte’s half-time chat turned into a bit of a rollicking!

“They played almost ten minutes with ten men and I was trying to get it across to the players that we have to play the ball and find the free player, but they kept on playing the balls to the strikers who were beaten in the air constantly.

“They had a physically very strong side, both up front and at the back, so you need to pass it and keep the ball on the floor and just create chances by playing football and I think that’s what we can do but didn’t.

“I was furious at half-time and there were some strong words,” he continued. “You have to be better to beat Birmingham away, so I’m convinced we can play better than we did today, especially the football side.

“Also I think some players need to realise that in The Championship you cannot switch off for ten or 15 minutes, or maybe for just two minutes.

“We are able to play much better football, but there were too many players today that made too many unforced errors and I think that’s why we didn’t deserve to win.”