Birmingham boss Alex McLeish rues defensive errors that led to 5-0 demolition by Liverpool

Alex McLeish – Birmingham City (PA)

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Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has criticised his sides defensive errors following Saturday’s 5-0 defeat away to Liverpool, but believes his men will bounce back to ensure Premier League survival in their remaining four games.

The Blues had looked to recover from Wednesday’s 3-1 away loss to Chelsea by earning vital points at Anfield, yet an early goal from Maxi Rodriguez killed off the away side’s chances, with the Argentine winger going onto score a hat-trick.

Speaking to reporters after the game, McLeish said: “The first goal for us was a little bit of a killer blow. I know you are still in it at 2-0, and we kept fighting at Chelsea.

“We’ve come in to frustrate Liverpool and the home fans as you try to set out against the top teams. To lose the goal so early disrupts totally your plans.

“To be fair, the first two goals were really soft. We have to do better and I don’t think anyone
would disagree with that.

“Ben Foster has been for me one of the top goalkeepers in the league and probably deserved a bit more recognition for that, but he’ll be disappointed with the first one.

“For the second goal, there’s a big hole in the centre of our defence and that’s unlike us. Quite simply, the boys have to get back to their best and they’re capable of doing that.”

Birmingham are currently sat in 15th place in the Premier League, and are just four points above the relegation zone on thirty-eight, yet the Scotsman is confident his side will beat the drop, starting with victory in next weekend’s Midlands derby at home to Wolves.

“I don’t know what we need but we’ve just got to win our home games,” McLeish added.

“We’ve got two important home games in the last four and we’ll try everything we can to win those and get back up the table.

“Today was a bad day at the office but will it affect morale? I don’t think so, they’re really good at bouncing back.”