Marc Roberts believes Birmingham City need to be more ‘aggressively-minded’ as they seek a solution to their goal shortage.
Blues have shored up their defence superbly, having conceded only four times in their first six matches – set against 12 from their final half-dozen fixtures last season.
However, that has come at a cost at the other end of the pitch and Aitor Karanka’s men have scored only three in the first six games – two from corners and one from the penalty spot.
They drew a blank in the 1-0 defeat at Norwich City in midweek, when the case for setting up so cautiously against a team that was in the Premier League last season was clear.
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Blues are likely to open-up depending on the opposition – something Roberts says should happen.
“We can only keep improving as a team, keep taking on board what the gaffer is doing, everyone has bought into it, as you can see the effort levels are there, it’s maybe just about improving our own quality,” he told Blues TV.
“We have got to be a little bit more aggressive going forward, maybe taking a risk or two in the right areas and keeping the ball up there.
“I think we are a lot more sure as a team, not just as a backline the lads have been class, that comes from the front and midfield a lot more disciplined.
“That runs through the full team, that’s what the gaffer has done since he has come here.
“We can only then work on the other side of the game and try and create a bit more ourselves.
“Like I say I think we need to be a bit more aggressively-minded in the opponent’s half and a bit more ruthless.”
Tuesday’s match represented a first start of the season for Roberts as Karanka opted for three centre backs in a 5-4-1.
Roberts was well protected and performed creditably as Blues rarely lost their defensive shape – before they were undone by a late Mario Vrancic strike.
He admits competition for places has been hard and sees that as a positive.
“It’s good,” he continued. “Everyone has started off really well, I couldn’t really have many complaints you have to respect the gaffer’s decision.
“But as you see everyone has got to be ready to play their part, I am only a part of that. Everyone’s part of the same squad, everyone is pulling in the same direction.
“People who aren’t even in the squad will still get games, still be ready and training.
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“The intensity the lads put in, even the lads who aren’t playing, it’s a joke really. It’s really good.
“That can only stand us in good stead going forward, there are a lot of games coming up, suspensions, injuries, everybody is going to need to play a part.”
Adam Clayton will be banned for this weekend’s trip to QPR after picking up two yellows at Carrow Road.
