Pep Clotet has acknowledged that Birmingham City were more than aware of Leeds United's weaknesses ahead of their madcap nine-goal thriller at the weekend, and that his side can take pride in their efforts.
The Whites managed to edge out as victors in a 5-4 encounter that saw the pendulum swing back and forth in a free-scoring game.
Though Marcelo Bielsa was able to restore his side to winning ways - and claim the summit of the Championship heading into 2020 - they were caught out on multiple occasions by Birmingham's own tenacity.
Clotet, who was formerly assistant coach at Elland Road during Garry Monk's days, says that despite the result, his Blues team should consider themselves proud of their efforts to take their table-topping visitors close while admitting he was not too surprised by the see-saw nature of the match.
"We knew that we could hurt them [on] a lot on the set plays," he stated. "We prepared very well for that, we’re a very strong team when it comes to set plays because obviously we need it.
"That was a main part last season of the goals we scored, it’s a main part this season as well.
"We knew that when the situation would come to the end, to the last few minutes of the game, and the game would open up a lot, we know that we could hurt as well with crosses, that’s why Montero and Bela came on.
"But at the end of the day, scoring four goals to Leeds, is something that should make the lads in the locker room very proud."
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