Chris Davies Explains Carlos Vicente Plan After Benching Birmingham City Signing
Carlos Vicente has not started a game for Birmingham City since the 1-0 defeat at Charlton, raising questions about his role after a high-profile transfer.
High Expectations and Early Promise
A great deal was anticipated from Carlos Vicente after Birmingham City invested £7 million to secure his services from La Liga side Alaves in January. The 26-year-old Spaniard arrived with an impressive record, having scored 10 goals for Alaves in the first half of the season, including notable strikes against Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.
Vicente made a positive initial impact, providing a clever back-heel assist for Marvin Ducksch's decisive goal at Oxford on his debut. He followed that up by registering his first goal for the club in the victory at Norwich City, showcasing his potential to become a key player.
Struggles and Benching
However, Vicente encountered difficulties in back-to-back away defeats to Millwall and Charlton. As a result, manager Chris Davies has opted to bench him for Birmingham's last three matches, prompting speculation about his future involvement.
Davies Cites Fixture Demands and Adaptation
When questioned about Vicente's recent omission from the starting lineup, Davies pointed to the demanding Championship schedule. Since the right-winger joined the club, Blues have played 11 games in just seven weeks, creating a gruelling environment for new signings.
"Carlos came in and really hit the ground running but it's that schedule again – three games a week, every game is a fight, and it's just the adaptation side of it," Davies explained. "He's a really good worker and has put his all in, he popped up with a big goal for us at Norwich, and you can see he's got a great cross in his locker."
Tactical Considerations and Future Role
Davies also highlighted tactical factors, noting that at home, Patrick Roberts offers a different dimension with his left foot, providing additional craft. Despite the recent benching, the manager remains committed to Vicente's development and integration into the squad.
"We want Carlos to be a key player here," Davies affirmed. "It's been a good start for him, he's got on the pitch and shown what we can do, hopefully he'll finish it off strong."
This statement underscores the club's long-term vision for Vicente, suggesting that his current situation is part of a broader plan to manage his adaptation to English football's intense demands. Fans will be watching closely to see how Vicente responds and whether he can reclaim a starting spot as the season progresses.
