Chris Davies reveals Krystian Bielik talks after benching Birmingham City captain
Birmingham City captain Krystian Bielik hasn't started a League One game since January 1
Chris Davies has moved to reassure Krystian Bielik that he has "a big role to play" now that the Birmingham City captain is on the fringes of the first XI.
Bielik was a mainstay for Blues before Christmas but an untimely injury and the form of his replacements has cost him his place. The Poland international hasn’t started a League One fixture since the New Year’s Day draw with Stockport County at Edgeley Park.
Ben Davies has been superb at centre-back alongside the imperious Christoph Klarer, and Ethan Laird has closed the door at right-back, where Bielik played in December, with a wonderful run of form since the turn of the year.
As a result, Bielik has been left with the dribs and drabs of League One minutes.
“It’s not by design because Krys has been a hugely important figure and still is – I have reassured him of that,” Davies told BirminghamLive. “He’s dropped out of the team at a time where the others who were in good form have maintained that form.
“Krys has a big role to play. I’ve spoken to him more than once about his position in the squad and what he means to us and myself. He’s a very important player who can play different positions, and I’m sure that he will find his way back into the team at some point.”
Many people expected Bielik to move on following Blues’ relegation to League One, as he did when ex-employers Derby County were relegated to the third tier in 2022, but the Pole instead signed a new three-year contract and Davies rewarded that show of commitment by making him skipper.
The 27-year-old was linked with moves away from Blues in the January transfer window but Davies was never likely to entertain the idea of losing him.
Davies has hailed Bielik for not agitating behind the scenes and continuing to lead the club’s quest for promotion from the sidelines.
Davies added: “It’s his first season as a captain, and he’s learning that when you’re a captain there’s a bigger picture than just yourself. He’s handled it and he’s leading the best he can, without actually playing all the minutes, so it’s an experience I definitely think he will grow from.
“The first thing I did on the first day I was here, keeping Krys Bielik was one of my first conversations and an important conversation. I then ended up making him captain after he’d committed to that. He’s an important figure for me and the club – our captain.”
With the opportunity to lead Blues out at Wembley in the Vertu Trophy final against Peterborough United on April 13 at stake, Bielik has plenty to play for over the next six weeks.