Press news in...

We await the boss for his thoughts ahead of Birmingham City.
---------------------------------------------------------------

DW on Barnes: “Calf injury as we expected. It’s not as bad as we feared, so we won’t rule him out for that season. He would be available for the playoff final.”

DW on Barnes: “We are used to some injury problems in this season. Unfortunately, Barnes is an important player for us and won’t be available for a few games. We will deal with it.”

DW: "Dimi Giannoulis is back in training and will be in the match day squad for Birmingham."

DW on Sam McCallum: “He has done fantastic (in Dimi’s absence). He has really made his mark and we need this competition. This is our super strength, we can rely on every individual.”

DW on Abu Kamara: “Yeah the others came back today. I spoke to Abu yesterday. He now gets some days off in Vegas, but he’s too young to enjoy it. I told him how impressive it is what he has done, and make a statement in pre-season. This is very far away.”

DW on playoff picture: “We are all together work in professional business. We want to play games and win them. This would be the same even if we were safe (in the playoffs).”

DW: “I would say from a tactical approach that Birmingham use a different setup to possible playoff contenders. But in terms of the occasion and the focus on the game this is comparable (to playoff games).”

DW on Birmingham City: “I have every trust and belief that we as a group will deal with this situation. We like to be part of it. Yes, for Birmingham there is lots going on behind the scenes.”

DW: “Momentum doesn’t play the biggest part in the playoffs from my experience. We like to win football matches and that’s why this game is important for us (against Birmingham). But the mood is better if you win football matches than lose them, this is true.”

DW on managerial changes at Birmingham: “I’m a manager and love that every manager gets time. But I’m too far away from Birmingham to understand their decisions.”

DW on this season: “Can you ask me this game after Saturday please. My answer will then be more fair.”

DW: “This stage of the season compared to 12 months ago is super exciting. Whereas last season it was exhausting. I am, and we are ready. Let’s play the next one.”

DW on contracts: “Zero problems or complications. The guys know like I do, we are at the stage of the seaosn where something bigger counts. The success of us as a football team.”

DW: “We like to win and end as high as we can. We are not mathematically safe (in the playoffs). We will go strong.”

-------------------------------------------------------------

That’s all for today from David Wagner at Coolknee. 🟡🟢

Posted By: DrDublin, May 2, 12:54:12