Spector can see signs of brighter future
BIRMINGHAM City defender Jonathan Spector believes things are starting to come together under Gianfranco Zola, despite the defeat to Derby County on Tuesday.
A second-half Darren Bent penalty denied a hard-working Blues performance against the in-form Rams and Spector thought that while his side lacked in front of goal there were positives to take.
He said: “It was always going to be a tough game for us. I thought we played some pretty good football at times but didn’t really get in behind and put them under enough pressure.
“The final ball wasn’t quite there but I don’t think we’re playing badly. The last two results might be a little bit unfair on the way we’ve played but the results will come if we continue believing in what we’re doing.”
Zola’s attacking brand of football is yet to show through at Blues but it’s clear there has been a change of emphasis in his two games in charge.
Playing a 4-5-1 formation at Pride Park, Blues were keen to keep the ball on the floor and build from the back – something Spector says they have been working on in training.
He explained: “I think the manager’s influence shows on the pitch in what we’re trying to do. Passing it more, trying to get it down and playing out from the back as opposed to being more direct.
“I think we did that relatively well but just not in the areas where we could really hurt them.
“It’s a process that isn’t going to happen overnight or in a week but hopefully the points will start reflecting performances.”
Zola admitted last week that having Spector at the club had helped him settle into the new surroundings at St Andrew’s after replacing Gary Rowett in charge.
The United States defender played under Zola at West Ham United and was a regular in the 50-year-old’s final season in charge, playing 29 times.
And Spector agrees that his presence has given Zola a head start in implementing his style on the dressing room.
“I do have a bigger picture of what to expect under Gianfranco Zola,” he said.
“It was eight years ago and things change in football.
“But certainly the lads asked me what to expect and it was something I could pass on when the manager first came in.
“It’s important to have someone at the club who can do that. We have a bright group of lads who are willing to listen to the manager and I think that has shown through.”