David targets all three points against the Blues
- David Wagner previews Birmingham City- Head Coach updates on injuries in the squad
- Wagner praises the Town Foundation shirt
Huddersfield Town Head Coach David Wagner has fond memories of games against Birmingham City – and wants more of the same at the John Smith’s Stadium tomorrow.
The victory at St. Andrew’s at the end of 2015 was Wagner’s first at the helm of Huddersfield Town and he feels that his side is better than it was back in December.
“It was a good, solid away win in Birmingham. In this game, we deserved this result,” David told htafc.com.
“We have made some steps in the right direction since then and now we are trying to show a higher level.
“We know how strong Birmingham is and the talented players the team has, so this will not be an easy challenge. Especially away, they have been very aggressive, stable and compact; they don’t deliver so many spaces.
“On the other hand, we are confident enough to say we’re fighting for the three points. We have shown they are beatable and we will try to find some weapons to hurt them again.
“To do this, we have to find a good balance against their counters by having a good distance between our players and being good in ball possession, moving the ball quickly enough to create chances.
“If we score the first goal it will make our lives much easier, but if we score the last one and it is the goal that gives us the three points that will be good for me as well!”
Although Town’s Sky Bet Championship status is mathematically confirmed for another season, Wagner dismissed the notion that he might experiment with his line-up.
“We’d like to win the game tomorrow so to bring our best performance we will bring the group we’ve used in the last few weeks, if everything goes well in training.
“This is the third game in a week and, like everybody knows, I’ll try to bring fresh bodies to the pitch when I feel this is important. We will see who I choose tomorrow.”
David did confirm that he will be without the services of midfielder Jonathan Hogg (knee) for another week at least.
“I think Jonathan could be back before the end of the season, but there is no pressure on him or rush. We will risk nothing but if he is able, he will help us.
“He has been with us on the grass, but without full contact. There are only two weeks left, so there is a doubt over if he will be back for a game. However, he should be back in full contact training so we will see what happens.”
The Head Coach also confirmed that goalkeeper Joe Murphy will not be a long term absentee with his shoulder issue.
“He has had surgery and he will be out for a longer period; we expect five to six months.
“The operation was good and he is now in rehabilitation, but we do not expect him back until probably October.”
The Terriers will sport a different magenta and white shirt tomorrow in aid of the Club’s Town Foundation charity; an initiative Wagner fully supports.
“I think it is a great idea and opportunity to put the names on the shirts; I’ve not known this before.
“It looks nice and the team has to be proud to wear a shirt with all the supporters’ names on. We have to make sure we get the right result wearing this.
“I think the Town Foundation, which Dean (Hoyle) created, is really special. I’ve been to the breakfast clubs myself and they are a great idea; I was proud to be part of it. The community and the Club works closely together, which does not happen so often.”
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