Marc Leonard opens up on the ‘frustrating’ challenge of dislodging Paik Seung-ho and Tomoki Iwata
Birmingham City have such strength in depth that some of the summer’s keynote signings are facing a fight for game-time
Marc Leonard maintains that he entered Birmingham City’s “project” with an open mind and an awareness that he would have to compete for a spot in the first squad.
The young Scot played the entire ninety minutes of Tuesday night’s Bristol Street Motors Trophy victory over Fulham, which the Blues won 7-1. He hasn’t started a league game since August 24.
The 22-year-old, who frequently starts Blues cup matches, had a strong game leading the strings in what ended up being a commanding performance for Chris Davies’ team. He is aware of Paik Seung-ho and Tomoki Iwata’s presence, but he hopes to keep his spot against Sutton United on Sunday afternoon.
Paik, a South Korean international, and Iwata, who has four Japan caps to his name and played Champions League football last season, have been Davies’ go-to pairing, understandably too given the way they have driven Blues to the top of the table.
Leonard told BirminghamLive that he accepted the challenge and was ready for the fierce competition for spots when he signed from Brighton.
“I did [realise] because I realised the club’s size and level, and I won’t back down from anything.” I believe I work out as hard as I can every day, and when I play, I want to have the biggest possible impact—or, if I’m just starting, I want to do the same.
“The boys who have been playing, in my opinion, have been incredible thus far. It has been challenging and frustrating, but you just have to go for it; that’s football, and I won’t back down from anything.”
The Blues team is well-stocked at almost every position, and Leonard reports that he enjoys working with Davies. “There is fierce competition for spots; this is a really talented squad. The quality of the training sessions is amazing, if you have the opportunity to observe them.
Even when the guys are recovering or haven’t played, the calibre of our large group of exceptional players is exceptionally high.
“The boys who don’t play are really encouraging, and it’s a group of boys who help each other out because sometimes it can be challenging if you’re not playing, even if you’ve played in the past. However, we’re all in the same queue and want to achieve the same goal.” Thus, it has been excellent.
This season, Leonard has made 15 appearances, including three league starts (all prior to Iwata’s arrival) and seven substitute appearances.
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