‘There’s no limit with this group’ – Birmingham City boss Merricks pleased with growth despite defeat | OneFootball

Birmingham City head coach Amy Merricks was pleased with her side’s performance despite falling to a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Blues suffered a second defeat in three games, however, their continued development was clear to see in South West London.

When speaking to the media after the match, Birmingham City boss Merricks highlighted the contrast between a frustrating first half and a much-improved second half showing at The Bridge.

“The first half for me personally, was really frustrating,” Merricks said. “We solved some issues at half-time and absolutely showed what we’re capable of in the second half. 

“I thought we had good momentum, really good moments on the ball. I thought we traveled with play better, which we have to do in this league because teams can punish you on transition very quickly. Second half was much improved and I was really pleased with the way that we competed. It’s just such a shame that we have two great opportunities and then within seconds of the second opportunity, unfortunately, they’ve got a second goal and knocked the wind out of our sails.”

Commenting on her side’s reaction to conceding an early goal, Merricks highlighted a lack of intensity and anticipation, both in possession and out of possession. 

She said “I didn’t see a difference in reaction in the first half, I didn’t see enough of the competitive nature in our game. I think I just look at that first half, I think we didn’t compete in the way we know we can. I think the good thing is that even though we weren’t performing at 100-percent in that first half, we still kept arguably one of the best teams in the league down to one goal.”

Commenting on the positives that could be taken forward from her side’s performance, Merricks highlighted the team’s development and potential.

She said “It’s about how we compete. In the second half, we were excellent. I thought we were better than last week, even though we picked up a point. I look at that second half against Chelsea today and I thought we were better than last week. I look at Brighton compared to Manchester City and we were better than that week, so we’re going to keep getting sharper and sharper.

“I know that with every game, we are learning, we are growing and I think everyone can see it. We had more ball possession today and better phases in that second half, so there’s so much we get to take [away]. We’ve created two great opportunities today, so if we’re having these conversations after playing the likes of Chelsea, it’s brilliant. I think there’s no limit with this group.”

Birmingham City are next in action on Wednesday evening when they travel to Everton in the Subway Players Cup.