Gianfranco Zola has rubbished claims he is under pressure from Birmingham City’s owners, following yet another defeat in the Sky Bet Championship, reports the Birmingham Mail.

The Italian has won just once since he replaced Gary Rowett as Birmingham manager in December, but insists that Trillion Trophy Asia remain in support of him: “To be honest the club has been great, they are showing me a lot of support and I do appreciate that.

“It is not everywhere that you get the support I get having had the results I have had so far. I don’t hide that.

“I am very grateful and I said to them they will get it back - all the support and trust they put behind me and the players.”

Friday night saw Birmingham lose out 3-0 to promotion-chasing Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough, leaving last week’s victory against Fulham as Zola’s only win in charge at St Andrew’s.

Zola took over from Rowett with the club in a good position, looking to break into the play-off places, but now finds his side 12^th in the Championship, trailing the top-six by 12 points going into the remaining 15 games of the campaign.

Birmingham travel to Preston North End tomorrow evening, where Zola will be looking to ease any pressure on him by recording his second victory and send the Blues back in the right direction.

Birmingham fans… Do you feel your club made a mistake appointing Zola as manager? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!