Harris post-Birmingham | The right response
BIRMINGHAM REACTION | NEIL HARRIS
The Bluebirds came from behind to defeat Birmingham City on Wednesday, with Sean Morrison’s late header securing a 3-2 win.
After the match, City manager Neil Harris spoke to the press and media from Cardiff City Stadium, giving his assessment of an exciting clash against the Blues.
“I thought the first 25 minutes were excellent.” Neil began. “I thought we played some excellent football, running forward and playing between the lines. We created chances, got in front, and could have been more in front, so we were disappointed to be drawing at half time.
“In the second half, there wasn’t a lot in it. It was a bit scrappy, and maybe we were slightly better than them. Then we went behind, which I didn’t think we deserved. When we missed the penalty, and our ex-goalkeeper saved it, you think that maybe this isn’t going to be your day. It was a really good save, and it wasn’t a bad penalty either.
“But then, fair play to my players for the character they showed to come back and dominate the last 15 or 20 minutes of the game. We took a winger off and put a centre-forward on to be a little bit more attacking, and it paid off. I’m delighted for the players, especially after Saturday. It was right that we responded with a victory.”
Harris gave a special mention to both Robert Glatzel and Harry Wilson, who combined to score City’s first goal of the evening.
“I thought Robert Glatzel’s all-round performance was outstanding, against two really physical centre-halves. Even when he missed the penalty, he didn’t shy away from it. He still took the ball in and made the right runs. He wants to produce more for us, and he’s had to be patient. But he’s got three goals now, and he’s a very good finisher.
“Harry scored a goal and got the assists, and wherever we play him, he’s going to impact the game. He knows the Championship now, and we know he’s the sort of player who might not be in the game for 15 or 20 minutes. He has to work hard and be diligent to help us out, but then he has those moments of magic.”
The boss went on to praise his players for the variety of ways they were able to find the back of the net, ensuring a return to winning ways ahead of the festive period.
“We found different ways to score. For the first goal, it was a great press to nick it and counter, and then the combination between Bobby and Harry for the goal showed excellent composure and quality. For the second goal, the vision from Marlon and the finish from Harry were outstanding. The third one was a set-play, and it’s perfect for us to score different types of goals.”
He concluded: “It breeds confidence, galvanises the group, and shows character. Winning today doesn’t take away the hurt from Saturday, but that’s five wins out of six for us, and we’ve played some good sides in that time. It’s been a difficult period fixture-wise, and with the amount of injuries we have, but the players have responded again. I have to praise them again, and people have to take note.”
