McLeish cools Europe talk

Blues boss focused on staying in the Premier League

Last updated: 2nd September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

McLeish cools Europe talk

McLeish: Focused on staying up

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Alex McLeish believes it is 'nonsense' to suggest Birmingham City are in a position to challenge for Europe this season.

Birmingham enjoyed an impressive return to the Premier League last term and finished ninth, 13 points behind seventh-placed Liverpool.

Blues have also made an encouraging start to the new campaign as McLeish's side lie sixth in the table after picking up five points from three matches.

The deadline day signings of Alexander Hleb, Martin Jiranek and Jean Beausejour have only fuelled talk of a push for Europe, but McLeish is keen to focus on ensuring Birmingham stay in the top flight.

Silly season

"That's nonsense to start talking about that," he said. "I thought silly season finished when the window closed.

"I don't think we should be thinking about that. We're still a fledgling Premier League team. We want to establish ourselves and develop again.

"If we finish in the top 17, like the targets I set last season, then I'll be happy.

"Some people might not be happy with that, but for me there's around eight teams that are going to be pretty hard to keep in touch with over the course of the season.

"There's another 12 out there playing to stay in the Premier League."

McLeish is confident, however, that his new arrivals will move Birmingham in the right direction.

"Collectively they'll enhance the quality of the squad," he said. "We try to take a step up with each season, and sometimes you take a step up within each window.

"We believe that we have again enhanced the overall quality of the squad.

"But it doesn't guarantee you anything because we know that we're not a surprise package this year and that teams will be waiting for us.

"We're well aware of that challenge, and I'm throwing the gauntlet down to the players that did so well last year, and saying to them, 'do it again guys'."