Zola full of regret after quitting Birmingham

Gianfranco Zola took full responsibility for Birmingham City’s plight after resigning following yesterday’s 2-0 defeat by Burton Albion.

Goals in either half from Lloyd Dyer and Lucas Akins sealed victory for the visitors, with fans chanting “we want Zola out” as Birmingham slumped to within three points of the Championship relegation zone with three games left.

The 50-year-old Italian, who took over in December following the controversial sacking of Gary Rowett with the club in seventh, expressed his regret that he could not fulfil the club’s expectations.

“I sacked myself,” said Zola, who oversaw just two wins in 22 league games. “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.

“It is not that I like quitting, but Birmingham deserves better. If I feel I cannot help the players, why stay? If I cannot help the team, it is better I leave and let someone else do that. I feel very bad and very sorry. We worked with a lot of meaning, but it didn’t produce the results. It is all very disappointing.”

Zola insisted the reaction of the crowd did not have any bearing on his decision. “I cannot blame the supporters,” he said. “The club’s position is not secure and they are frustrated and I can understand their feelings. They chant and say they want me out. It is a little harsh.

“We have made some mistakes, but we have worked hard for the club. I was totally convinced that what I was doing was right.”

Zola was appointed by Birmingham’s owners, Chinese company Trillion Trophy Asia Limited, two days after Rowett’s departure.

TTAL had completed its takeover at St Andrew’s the previous October, and club director Panos Pavlakis said at the time that Zola was a good fit as the club wanted to “move in a new direction”. But, since Zola’s arrival, the club have slid steadily down the table. Defeat yesterday extended their winless league run to nine matches.

For Burton manager Nigel Clough, the result brought his relegation-threatened side a second win in four matches. “It was a wonderful away performance,” Clough said. “There was a lot of pressure. We knew we required a result and the way we went about it was full of character and honesty.”