The appointment of Gianfranco Zola looks to have been a failure, so who could turn Birmingham City around? Our list includes former Derby County and Middlesbrough managers.
Birmingham manager Gianfranco Zola
Much to the shock of everyone in the game of football, Birmingham City parted ways with Gary Rowett towards the end of 2016. Despite consistently over-achieving with the Blues every season, the new Birmingham City owners decided they wanted to go in a different direction, and chose to bring in former Watford manager Gianfranco Zola.
Considering the Italian’s former managerial record, we’re not quite sure what it was Birmingham City’s owners were expecting. Since taking over, the Blues have won just two games, and now hover just six points above the relegation zone. Missing Gary Rowett’s pragmatic football yet, Birmingham fans?
With this in mind, HITC Sport has taken a look at three managers who are currently available, who could come in and potentially turn Birmingham City’s sinking ship around. But do you agree with our choices? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.
1. Nigel Pearson
Former Derby County manager Nigel Pearson
Despite a poor nine games during his brief stint at Derby County, Nigel Pearson is an available manager with survival-credentials on his CV. After guiding Leicester City to the Premier League, the former Foxes boss led his side to safety despite all the odds, but was dismissed in the summer, to be replaced by Claudio Ranieri. Known for getting his teams organised and working hard, Pearson might be just what the Birmingham City players need.
2. Steve McClaren
Former Derby manager Steve McClaren
Another former Derby County manager on this list, Steve McClaren did an excellent job with Derby County for a large part of this season. Coming in to replace the aforementioned Nigel Pearson, McClaren led the Rams from just above the bottom three to Championship’s top six. However, after failing to keep them there, the Rams continued to slump, and McClaren was given his marching orders for a second time. Known for getting his teams to play good football, could the former England manager give Birmingham City the short term boost they need?
3. Aitor Karanka
Former Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka
Despite guiding Middlesbrough back to the top flight, Aitor Karanka was relieved of his duties in 2017 with the club struggling to score goals. During his time at the Riverside, Karanka was known as a pragmatist. Often prioritising defensive displays over anything else. With Birmingham City struggling to stop shipping goals, the Spanish manager might be just what the Blues need.
Former Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka
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