'I'm not crazy' - Krystian Bielik perfectly understands his Birmingham City position
Krystian Bielik opened up after helping restore Birmingham City to the Championship
Having experienced the ‘worst day of his life’ in May last year when Birmingham City were relegated from the Championship, Krystian Bielik is glad to have played his part in restoring the club to the second tier.
Bielik is one of seven players in the current squad scarred by that relegation who survived Chris Davies’ cull last summer.
The Poland international was appointed captain by Davies when the idea was to build the team around him, but an untimely injury on New Year’s Day cost him his place in the XI and the form of Ethan Laird, Christoph Klarer, Ben Davies and Alex Cochrane has been such that that they have become undroppable.
Bielik’s role has therefore not been what he expected – but he has still been influential on and off the field.
“You guys could see the scenes after the game, I’m so glad for this football club, for the fans, players and staff. We all deserve it,” Bielik said after Blues’ promotion was confirmed with a win at Peterborough United on Tuesday.
“I remember the last game of last season against Norwich, that was the worst day of my life, and this has been a totally different story and I’m glad I’m part of it.
“I felt it on my shoulders, especially when I signed the contract. I know maybe I haven’t played as much as I would wish since New Year, but for sure the older and more experienced players have to take it on their shoulders, that responsibility.
“Even if I’m not playing and not on the pitch, I feel as if I have to help the team as much as I can. For me it hasn’t been easy sometimes if I’m not playing, but off the pitch I’m doing my best to help them.”
Like every Blues player, Bielik is desperate to play at Wembley, but he understands there is a chance that he won’t. Ben Davies was rested on Tuesday and will likely come back in to partner Klarer at centre-back.
Not playing has understandably been the hardest part for Bielik.
He added: “It was a new situation for me, when I was fit I always played. I’m working hard and trying my best, I’m glad the team is doing well.
“I’m not crazy. I see players have taken their chances and they deserve to play. I don’t think that game (Peterborough on Tuesday) will change much, but I’m so happy to be part of it.”