Next two games need to kickstart the Zola era

Following two straight defeats, the next couple of fixtures for Blues could prove to be crucial for both our season and Gianfranco Zola.

The team currently sit six points off the play-off places in 11th place and, with teams above getting stronger by the game, Blues don’t want to get left behind.

The Championship can change very quickly and we have already seen that within the space of a few weeks.

We have gone from being three points off third place to the nine points we are away from that position now.

Without trying to put too much pressure on the team, it is clear that the next two games against Barnsley and Brentford are huge for Blues and the points up for grabs are so important.

Of course, you could point to the fact that we are only half way through the season and that there is a very long way to go but the team won’t want to play catchup against sides that are beginning to get their acts together.

We are already looking at the top six from the outside and, for a side that is still limited on quality and funding compared to other clubs in the division, we don’t want that gap to increase.

The month of January, in particular, could define Zola`s reign as Birmingham City manager due to the importance of the transfer window and ensuring we keep in touch with those above.

There’s no doubting that Zola`s first two games in charge have been tough but the two defeats have already had an impact.

A lot of fans are still angry with the sacking of Gary Rowett and, if Zola and the side don’t start picking up results soon, then the patience of those fans won’t last long.