Gianfranco Zola demands bravery after another Birmingham defeat

Gianfranco Zola says his Birmingham players need to show bravery after their third defeat in his four games in charge.

The Blues suffered a 3-1 home loss to Brentford on Monday to slip to 13th in the Championship - having been fourth in the table when they beat the Bees 2-1 at Griffin Park on November 26.

Birmingham have collected only one point since Zola succeeded Gary Rowett on December 14, a 2-2 draw at Barnsley on New Year's Eve.

"This game is the most disappointing since I took over," said the Italian after his team's latest setback.

"We lost the ball too cheaply and couldn't control the game. We allowed them to come back strongly in the second half.

"We made mistakes and that is the consequence of what happens. If you do not control the tempo of the game the opposition will take over.

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"That was the big problem and the disappointment for me was not to have control in the second half.

"I thought the first half was excellent when we produced some good football and scored a very good goal. But it is this fragility we need to improve."

Zola continued: "After a time you allow the opposition back into the game. We were in the driving seat and all of a sudden we stopped and began making mistakes.

"We are trying to implement an improvement. I do not think I am asking too much but when difficult moments come they have to be brave.

"I am very supportive to the players who are trying very hard. I will give all the support they need to play the way I want them to play."