‘It is going to take a long time’ - John Eustace on Birmingham City’s pre-season draw with Portimonense

John Eustace’s first game in charge of Birmingham City ended in a 1-1 draw against Portimonense S.C on Tuesday night (12 July) as the club’s pre-season preparations continued.

The game rounded off Blues’ trip to Portugal and delivered a positive performance against the Portuguese Primeira Liga outfit. City came from behind to hold Portimonense thanks to Scott Hogan’s second goal in as many pre-season matches.

Following the game, Eustace praised his side’s performance. He said:“I was delighted. The attitude of the boys was fantastic. We got some valuable minutes into the boys as well; it was really positive.

“I liked our shape without the ball; we have done a lot of work on that this week and the attitude of the boys you could see they were all willing to learn. They want to work their socks off and that is all I ask for, be competitive and I think we were competitive today against a really strong Portuguese Primeira Liga team.

“There is a hell of a lot of hard work to go, so small steps but today was pleasing. It is going to take a long time and a lot of hard work to get where we want to get to, but we are starting to get there now. Tonight was a very pleasing performance.”

What’s next for Blues?

Estace’s men face Burton Albion at this Saturday before making the short trip to Cheltenham on Tuesday as their pre-season preparations continue.

City’s Championship season gets underway at Luton on July 3.

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