Alex McLeish expects a reaction to 5-1 defeat

Apr 24 2008 By Colin Tattum

ALEX McLeish has told his Blues players criticism comes with the territory.

And the manager said he was sure they would be stung into a positive response after the flak that has been flying since the 5-1 derby humiliation by Villa.

Interestingly, though, McLeish has advised them not to beat themselves up by pouring over the many harsh words written or said.

"I think that it's part of the game, you know you are going to be criticised," he said.

"It's not about falling down, it's about getting back up again.

"If the players have chosen to read or listen to the criticism, or they have chosen not to, that's up to them.

"I don't think they should because it just creates nervous energy for them. So I'm not sure it's the best thing.

"But if it makes them angry - and I have seen that reaction before - and that anger is channelled in the right way, then it can be very effective after a reverse."

McLeish's management style has always been to accentuate the positive and instill confidence in his players.

Yet that is not to say all at Wast Hills are blasé or unaware of the hurt and anger caused by Sunday's performance among Blues followers.

"Of course the players know," he said, "but we have to look forward and focus on what's ahead of us.

"The season starts again on Saturday, we're in a three-game mini-league."