McLeish wants 'relentless' Blues

04 December 2009 13:38
Blues have climbed into 11th spot after a five-game unbeaten run which has yielded 11 points.[LNB]It is relatively rosy times for McLeish and his squad after being relegated 18 months ago and then having to battle last season to reclaim their top-flight status.[LNB]But the former Scotland boss, whose side visit Wigan on Saturday, has his feet on the ground and warned: "You are only a couple of defeats from a crisis."[LNB]McLeish added: "The confidence is good and we have been playing well all season. I feel we have done that in 13 of the 14 games and the difference now is we are getting the results our play has merited.[LNB]"But we temper that by keeping our feet on the ground. We have got in this good position through determination and hard work and skill but it will not stop there.[LNB]"We've got to be relentless in pursuit of points. I'm enjoying and I'm proud of the performances in recent weeks but the players can't sit back and take a breather.[LNB]"I don't want any of that nonsense and want them to play every game like it is their last game.[LNB]"The players may not play their best on certain days but they can guarantee giving everything they have and, if they do that, I will accept that."[LNB]Birmingham have the fourth best defensive record in the Premier League and have gained 1-0 victories in their last two matches against Fulham and Wolves.[LNB]It is a situation that McLeish can empathise with from his successful playing days with Aberdeen under Sir Alex Ferguson in the mid-1980s.[LNB]He said: "I played for Aberdeen when we had success against the Old Firm. We knew if we got a shut-out, we had someone who would score for us.[LNB]"We won a lot of games 1-0 during that time because of a good defensive base and I'm getting the same sort of vibes from these players at Birmingham.[LNB]"Our current position is quite attractive but the Premier League is so competitive and you are only a couple of defeats away from a crisis."[LNB]McLeish admits it is easier to be in charge of a side enjoying relative success compared to some of the difficult times during the past two years at St Andrew's.[LNB]He said: "You would have seen the real me last year when the chips were down. That is when you see a manager's mettle.[LNB]"When you get performances like in the last few weeks, then it becomes easier and I can relax because I am happy having players I can trust.[LNB]"That sort of thing takes time and during the tough times you have to stand up or you crumble."[LNB]McLeish believes the example of Wigan highlights how competitive the Premier League is.[LNB]The Latics were hammered 9-1 at Tottenham two weeks ago but bounced back to gain a home victory over Sunderland last weekend.[LNB]He said: "What has happened with Wigan the last couple of weeks shows anyone can beat anybody in this league.[LNB]"They are a good side but on any given day there is always the fear a big club can do what happened with Tottenham against Wigan. If a side gets two or three goals in quick succession, it seems like you are playing 12 men.[LNB]"I have been on the end of similar drubbings but Wigan have shown great character and had a fantastic win over Sunderland."[LNB]McLeish has no fresh injury problems as Birmingham look to gain the win which would take them past the 20-point mark.[LNB][LNB][LNB] Wigan 11/10, Draw 12/5, Birmingham 5/2  

Source: Team_Talk