Daniel Farke post WBA
Normally I do not comment on the referee because we cannot change it. Even today, the guys from Sky told me it's a clear handball. During the game it was too difficult to see. I trust the referee in that moment. Crucial mistake. Close to a penalty in some scenes.
No VAR in this league and for that we have to accept the goal.
Unfair result?
Not my topic to talk about deserved or unfair football. When you play basketball you hit the ring and are unlucky, but it's always the better team that wins. The better player wins in tennis. So difficult to bring the ball over the line in football.
Did not give away one chance in the second half. They score a goal which should have been ruled out. Created many chances. If I have to criticise something, we need to be more effective with the chances we are creating.
Compliments for my lads against a good, experienced side. A team which will be contenders for promotion. Their youngest player today was older than the average age if my entire squad today. Never know we're beaten.
Performance and mentality was top class
Difficult to change the game with a small bench?
Poveda felt a small pain in his adductors and did not want to take a risk. Will be out for 10 days.
Unlucky decisions against us today. We have to dig in and grind out results. Disappointed not to get three points, but happier to be unbeaten at home. By far the better team.
Selection: don't have so much of a headache at the moment. I cannot pick more than 11 players. Don't want sympathy for the bench because I had five outfield players and that's all I can use anyway.
Much better and easier times for us ahead
Happy if Gnonto is sold?
It's not my topic. Incomings/outgoings from tomorrow. Today I was attention on the game and these players. That was my only focus. Until after the game, I don't want to hear about any transfers. From tomorrow morning or later tonight I will look at the bigger topics. Our key people will brief me tonight. We will work hard from tomorrow again.
Happy when I can just focus on football
How to help James do that tonight consistently?
He was excellent today. Brought his pace into the game. Needs rhythm. Difficult seasons. Needs confidence.
He should have scored from two yards, but I like he was there rather than sitting back on the wing. Want him to be greedy and get into the danger area. More end products and he can be outstanding at this level.
How happy with the way the team has adapted to tactics?
Can only praise the lads. Distractions. When I judge our games, Birmingham was poorest, but even there our third game in six days, more than 60 per cent possession. Did not give away many chances today