The Betfair Interview: Birmingham's Radhi Jaidi on staying up with the Blues

Premier League / Editor / 28 December 2007 / Leave a Comment

Experienced Premiership defender talks relegation, African Cup of Nations and more...

Birmingham are the only one of this year's newly promoted Premier League teams to be clear of the relegation zone, so Betfair started the interview with the Blues' big former Bolton defender Radhi Jaidi about the reasons why...

What has helped your club do so much better than the other two promoted sides?

I don't know too much about the others, but I do know that there has always been a very strong spirit and mentality about our squad and I think the new manager has added even more to that. For instance we gave a bad performance when we lost at Bolton a week ago, but the manager did not have much to say. We knew as players that the stronger teams know how to rebound, and so we were determined to give a good reaction. I think it showed when we beat Middlesbrough on Boxing Day because we were very committed. We scored two goals in the first half but we then defended very well. We also mixed our way to play with little passes and long passes, changing the ball from side to side with good crosses, and with everybody concentrated. That was the strength.

That lifted you four points clear of the relegation zone. How do you view the battle to stay in the top division?

I think there are still six or seven teams involved, maybe more. Between them there is not a lot of points so it is clear that the situation will go on changing for the rest of the season. If you can win a couple of games together it can make a big difference - for instance we know that if we can win against Fulham on Saturday it can help us play the next games in January when we meet big teams like Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal with more confidence.

Everybody saw the impact Alex McLeish had with Scotland. Has his ability to create a strong team spirit transferred to St Andrews?

I think so. I felt watching the Euro 2008 games that Scotland had a very different mentality to England. It was like they were stronger in games, stronger physically but also mentally in the way they reacted to things and kept fighting. I think that sort of attitude has been helped by the new manager coming to Birmingham. There are a different mix of things that happen in our training now but the one consistent thing is to be committed and fully concentrated. It's the first requirement for any team to do those things.

And he has brought you back into the team?

Yes, for the last two games now and I hope that it will stay that way. It has been quite hard and frustrating not to be in the team for most of this season, especially because for the last five years I have been in England I've been used to playing all the games, first at Bolton and then when I first came here. It isn't easy to accept, especially if there is no explanation given to you from the manager. But I know that is what football is like. Things can happen. It's not just me, you know, maybe bigger or more famous players go through the same thing. The important thing is to keep concentrated and keep working and don't say anything, and should the opportunity come you have to be ready for it when you get it.

Did you go to see the new manager?

No, it's not like that. I knew when a new manager came, whoever it was, it would give an opportunity for all the players. At least I would have one little chance for me, so I was ready for it. Now we have to carry on defending like we did against Middlesbrough, and keep this winning mentality. Especially the defenders must have a determination that we do not concede a goal, and if we can do that for three or four matches then other things will go in our favour. We can definitely be good enough to stay in this division.

Will it make it hard for you to have to join up with Tunisia when the African Cup of Nations begins?

Yes, it's a bad time for me to go, but it is not something that I can control. I am 32 now and I think maybe this will be my last African Cup and after that I can be 100 per cent for Birmingham, but I know how important this competition is for people in my country. I was part of the team that won the tournament in 2004 and the feeling is fantastic. For two years you are the kings of Africa. We have a very young team this time without much experience so I hope that I can help them to grow into the tournament in Ghana. I think that Ghana will be very strong because they are the hosts, and of course countries like Cameroon, The Ivory Coast and Senegal have strong squads too with their players who have experience in the Premier League. We have heard stories that maybe our hotel isn't finished yet, and that the training pitches are not ready but we will just have to be prepared for it. I will go to play for Tunisia but part of my mind will still be here wishing that Birmingham continue to do well.

You are obviously keen to stay at Birmingham?

Yes, I have another year to go on my contract after this season, and you know I really like this country and I want to stay. I enjoyed it in Bolton, and I enjoy it even more here. Last year we went up, and it was great achievement for us, and this year we have to fight to keep in the Premier League. I believe that we can.

We have a free £50 bet for you with the proceeds to go to a charity of your choice.

I think I would like to place that on our neighbours West Bromwich Albion to win the Championship at [2.78]. I know there is a big rivalry between our clubs but it would be good to play them in a local derby in the Premier League next season! Several of our players went to visit the childrens' ward at Birmingham Hospital last week so if I am right you could please send the winnings to them.