"Neumann wouldn't be standing up" - Birmingham City's Chris Davies reacts to Christoph Klarer bust-up claims | OneFootball

Chris Davies has responded to speculation over a falling out between Christoph Klarer and Phil Neumann

Chris Davies has responded to social media speculation that Birmingham City defensive duo Christoph Klarer and Phil Neumann have suffered a falling out behind the scenes.

The pair started together for the first time since mid-September in midweek in Blues’ 1-0 win away to Preston North End, with the latter even scoring the winning goal - albeit in controversial circumstances as the ball appeared to strike his arm.

Klarer has started each of Birmingham’s first 11 league games this season, maintaining his importance to the side after helping the club gain promotion in the previous campaign as one of League One's best centre-backs - if not the best.

However, Neumann has started just six times in the Championship since arriving in the summer as a free agent from German side Hannover, seeing himself on the bench for five straight matches prior to his recall for the PNE game.

Chris Davies responds to Christoph Klarer, Phil Neumann falling out speculation

Birmingham City manager Davies has brushed aside any concerns over a falling out between the defensive pair after speculation emerged on social media earlier in the week.

Davies has praised the club captain’s leadership skills, claiming he has actually played a key role in helping Neumann settle in England due to their shared language.

“Firstly, I hadn't heard that,” Davies said at a live Q&A, as per Birmingham Live.

“One of the good things that I've done is I don't look at social media, I have never engaged in any of it, so I don't really know what's going on but if there was a fight between those two then Neumann wouldn't be standing up.

“If Klarer had a fight with anyone then he's going to win it, basically.

“There's absolutely none of that going on.

“We have got a great captain in Klarer, he is one of those guys that will tell people to have high standards day-to-day, but he's actually one that Neumann has got on well with because of the language and he's helped him settle in.

“So, absolutely no fight, but I would like to see it if there was.”

Klarer and Neumann played the full 90 minutes as Birmingham clinched all three points away to Preston on Tuesday night.

It was Neumann’s 23rd minute goal that proved the difference between the two sides, but he was also a rock at the back, blocking Daniel Jebbison's goalbound effort in the second half when goalkeeper James Beadle was caught out outside the box.

With 12 clearances and three aerial duels won by the German defender, adding to Klarer's 13 clearances and seven successful aerial duels, it was a dominant performance by the pair, and it's likely a partnership that will continue for the foreseeable future.

Christoph Klarer & Phil Neumann could form a formidable Birmingham City partnership

Davies has left no room for doubt regarding a potential bust up between Neumann and Klarer, which should put the matter to bed.

The pair performed incredibly well together midweek, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them start alongside each other again against Bristol City and then for a run of games after that.

Birmingham have some strong defensive options, and Davies has been trying to work out his preferred lineup in recent weeks, but he has maybe now found it with this Preston display, coupled with underwhelming Eiran Cashin showings and Jack Robinson's two red cards already this season.

Davies’ comments also add confidence that Klarer is the right man to lead the team on the pitch as club captain given his role in helping Neumann settle in England.