Chris Davies has revealed the non-negotiable for any Blues team that he sends out into action.
The managed insists that their work ethic must be far better than the opposition’s.
We have already seen it in action this season, with the intensity of Blues play against Ipswich Town being quite ferocious.
And Blues determination to chase, harry and press Sheffield United helped pave the way for victory in the Carabao Cup in midweek.
There was a shining example of what Davies expects late in the first-half when Demarai Gray thundered back deep into his own half to thwart a Sheffield attack with a sliding tackle.
“The work ethic of the team is the most important thing for me,” said Davies.
“All the best teams have incredible work ethic and it’s the only way we will be successful if we out-work the opposition and we show this type of attitude.
“That’s really what I want from my team, more than anything else.
“I think the fans recognise that and it gives the whole stadium a lift too.
“When the boys – and they can do it – push and work as hard as they can, it’s what’s going to make us successful ultimately.”
Blues pressing is a hallmark of Davies’ Blues. Again, in the cup, they forced a goal from it, when Gray set up Kyogo Furuhashi after retrieving the ball following his own a heavy touch.
“It was a great example for any player that if you do lose possession of the ball to immediately react to that. Don’t think too much about it . . . and off he went.
“It just shows you what can happen – there was a poor pass and then Demarai nips in and gets an assist for us to score.
“It wasn’t just that, there’s an example when Demarai’s tracked back 70 yards.
“I always say to the attacking players that you’ll get the biggest roar for scoring a goal, but the second biggest roar you’ll get from the fans is if they see you are working hard.
“That was inspirational, to see that type of work ethic. It shows sacrifice for the team. I’m pleased he set that example.”
Gray was withdrawn at half-time against the Blades due to a combination of a knock and fatigue.
He will be assessed ahead of Saturday’s league match at Blackburn Rovers, where Blues will be backed by more than 7,000 fans.
“Blackburn are a strong Championship team, especially at home,” said Davies. “They will provide us with another tough test.”
Davies made six changes to the starting line-up in midweek. The players who came in did themselves no harm.
Ethan Laird, who lost his place to Bright Osayi-Samuel in the season opener, was awarded man of the match and Willum Willumsson put himself about.
The manager commented: “It’s always about the squad. You’re never going to do anything in football with just 11 players. It’s a squad, pushing each other, and that’s what we’ve got.
“Ethan has been an important player for us. Key, key player. Willumsson also. What a performance he put in over the 90 minutes.
“He wanted to stake a claim. He has got the ability to play at this level, with his skills, quality on the ball. He’s a big, imposing figure, so when he puts himself around like he did he can dominate the duels and that was important for us.”
A concern from Blues’ games so far has been the inability to make their possession and dominance count in the form of goals.
Although Kyogo got off the mark against Sheffield with a tap-in, he squandered several other chances.
Davies, however, is relaxed about it as the Japanese striker strives to find a groove after his summer transfer from Rennes.
“He got us going in the game.
“I never worry with players like Kyogo. I remember with Alfie May last year there were things like that that happened.
“I’ve always said that when they are getting the chances these players, they will score.
“They’ve been doing it their whole career. They know where the net is. They know how to score goals. And Kyogo did score, his first goal for us.”
