Bristol City assistant head coach Chris Hogg had nothing but praise for manager Liam Manning as he made his return to the touchline following a period of compassionate leave due to the tragic loss of his newborn son. The team’s 0-0 draw with Leeds United saw the Robins put up a strong performance, with Max O’Leary making some crucial saves to keep Leeds at bay.
Hogg highlighted the character and strength shown by Manning during this difficult time, noting the support and togetherness both within the club and from the wider football community. The tribute organized by the supporters before the match was a testament to the unity and compassion that football can bring in times of adversity.
The clean sheet against Leeds marked the second consecutive shutout for Bristol City, adding to their seven-game unbeaten streak in the league. Despite previous good runs followed by rough patches, Hogg emphasized the importance of consistency and improvement in performance to continue getting positive results.
While the team has shown signs of promise, particularly in their attacking intent against Stoke City, Hogg acknowledged the need to work on tying all aspects of their game together. With a young and developing squad, he emphasized that progress may not always be linear but is a continuous journey throughout the season.
Unfortunately, there was a setback with full back Ross McCrorie suffering an early hamstring injury, prompting concerns about his availability for future matches. Hogg noted that further assessments would be needed to determine the extent of the injury and the potential impact on the team.
Overall, Bristol City’s performance against Leeds showcased their resilience and determination in the face of adversity, with the return of Liam Manning serving as a source of inspiration for the team and the fans. As they look to build on their recent successes and maintain their unbeaten run, the focus remains on improving consistency and continuing to progress throughout the season.
