Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has highlighted Phil Neumann's recent performances as evidence that the German defender has fully adapted to the Championship. Neumann scored his third goal of the season in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Bristol City, adding to a string of solid displays.
Neumann's resurgence
Since being restored to the starting lineup at Ipswich Town on Easter Monday, Neumann has been a key figure in Blues' upturn in form. The team has taken 10 points from a possible 15, and their record with Neumann in the side this season is considerably better than without him.
Davies had previously dropped Neumann three times to accommodate Christoph Klarer on his preferred right side, but the German has answered any doubts with commanding performances against some of the Championship's most physical forwards.
Manager's verdict
“I think he’s been excellent and looked much better since he’s come back into the team,” Davies said. “It was just a case of his real adaptation to the league, and I think he’s got the bit between his teeth since he’s been back.
“The amount of duels he wins and the headers he makes, he just understands what this league is and what it’s like. It’s every three days – a bit different to what they play in Germany. To get through these three as he has done is the real sign that he’s physically adapting as well as technically and tactically. I thought he was excellent.”
Neumann's goal against Bristol City capped a Man of the Match display, further cementing his place in Davies' plans as Blues push for momentum in the Championship.
