Sunderland Echo

Wagner puts focus on the play-offs, not Newcastle

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Huddersfie­ld boss David Wagner says the Terriers are only focused on sealing their play-off place following their 1-1 draw at Derby - a result which guaranteed promotion for Championsh­ip leaders Brighton.

The Yorkshirem­en threw away two vital points after Jacob Butterfiel­d’s deflected strike drew the Rams level with two minutes remaining.

Town had led since the ninth minute after Collin Quaner scored his second goal in as many games.

It leaves the Terriers seven points behind Newcastle in the race for automatic promotion but the German boss says Huddersfie­ld are only interested in getting the points needed to make the play-offs.

Wagner said: “If we secure a play-off spot then we will be very happy. We are humble and we know how difficult it is to get points in this division.

“We are Huddersfie­ld Town and to have this points total is an unbelievab­le achievemen­t. We have to focus on ourselves and not Newcastle.

“We are in a wonderful position but we do not have enough points yet. We would like to have more points and we would like more good performanc­es.

“We took a step in the right direction with this performanc­e. This is an unbelievab­le season for Huddersfie­ld Town.

“Of course we are disappoint­ed because the equaliser was late, but I am pleased as we managed the game well.

“I am totally okay with the performanc­e because this is not an easy place to come.”

Brighton sealed their return to the top flight for the first time in 34 years after a 2-1 win against Wigan.

Meanwhile, Gianfranco Zola took full responsibi­lity for failing as Birmingham manager after resigning following yesterday’s 2-0 home loss to Burton.

The 50-year-old Italian, who took up the reins in December following the controvers­ial sacking of Gary Rowett, said: “I sacked myself. I decided to give in my resignatio­n. I am sorry because I came to Birmingham with huge expectatio­ns. Unfortunat­ely the results have not been good and I take full responsibi­lity.

“I don’t like quitting, but Birmingham deserves better.”

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