Radhi Jaidi: Birmingham City have no choice but to battle

May 2 2008 By Colin Tattum

BIRMINGHAM CITY have no option but to end their away day miseries at Fulham today.

Analysing why they have won just once in 18 league and cup matches on their travels is pointless; it's deeds that count at Craven Cottage.

"We don't have a choice," agreed defender Radhi Jaidi.

"It's something like a war. You go to war and the soldier has to protect his country. He gives himself to help, he has no choice."

Jaidi said he would do anything to win, within the laws.

"Yes, in the world of fair play though. I am not saying go and kick a man without the ball or fight.

"I am not speaking about that.

"And saying 'war' I mean the soldier maybe giving his life just to see his family and country happy.

"This next game, we will give our best. When I hear the final whistle and I feel as if I have died, I can't give more than that.

"That's what I want to feel after the game and then  we can see the result.

"But to go and do nothing and wait for other people to do the work for you, I don't think that is a nice thing, even in the image of the fans."

Blues do have history on their side today: they have won seven and drawn five of their last 12 league visits to Fulham.

"I think the game will be in the brain more than in the feet," Jaidi added.

"It is the most important one I have played here, ever.

"Since last year we have had a pressure on this team. Last year it was to go up, this year as well it seems like it's going to the last game as well, for different reasons.

"Physically and psychologically it is hard. We have a lot of young players and the others have to help them the best we can."

"The pressure to stay in the Premier League is worse," Jaidi continued.

"To go up, you feel you are involved in a good thing. You have a big possibilities ahead of you.

"But going down, it feels like you are not a good team. You ask yourself why have you put  yourself in that position, you wonder what kinds of mistakes you have done.

"You ask a lot of questions and sometimes you can't find the answers. Even when you do find the answers, it brings you bad confidence.

"The worst thing that can happen is to lose your Premier League status."