It’s all about the process for Chris Davies.
If that’s correct, then the results should usually take care of themselves.
The Blues manager is not one for looking too far ahead, nor resting on laurels.
Blues have had an excellent start to the season, sitting fifth in the Championship with seven points from a possible nine.
And tonight victory over Port Vale would put Blues in the Carabao Cup third round for the first time in a decade.
It’s immaterial to Davies, who barley glances at the standings.
“You look at the next team and what we need to do, after analysing (the one you’ve just played),” he said.
“You saw in he Championship (on Saturday) there’s all sorts, ups and downs, surprise results and that’s the league we are in.
“You get too fixated over that.
“For me it is always the process over the outcome right now which is: are we playing the way we want to? Are we playing well? Are we working hard? Are we seeing the Birmingham City team that we know? And everything else can just takes care of itself from there.”
Davies is expected to make changes to his team this evening (kick-off 7.45pm). For the first round victory over Sheffield United, there were six alterations to his starting line-up.
Blues are favourites to see off the challenge of the Valiants, who have yet to win in League One after clinching promotion last season.
In the defeat of Oxford United last Saturday, it wasn’t always plain sailing for Blues. But Davies backs his players to persevere – it’s that process again.
“I watch all of these teams and I know how hard it is to beat them and how strong they are and disciplined they are.
“So for us it was just to try to focus on our process and be relentless with that. Keep going, try not to get disheartened if things don’t work out, because you have to work hard for chances in football.”
A large crowd is expected at St. Andrew’s again and they could get their first glimpse of Lewis Koumas, Kanya Fujimoto and Marvin Ducksch.
Alex Cochrane remains a doubt through injury and James Beadle is likely to get the nod between the stick once more in the Cup.
Eiran Cashin, Marc Leonard and Tommy Doyle will all be vying to start, too.
As Leicester City away loom large on Friday evening, Davies may not be that keen to over-exert too many of his preferred league starters.
Transfer wise, Blues remain busy behind the scenes ahead of the deadline on September 1.
Davies wants to ‘finish the squad off’ with at least a couple of additions.
“As always like most clubs, it’s a moving situation and we just have to be ready to to do what we need to do.”
