• Italian under pressure after losing 13 of 22 games since appointment • Birmingham board denies successor for Zola is being lined up

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

Birmingham City have denied they are planning to replace their under-pressure manager, Gianfranco Zola.

The Championship club insist the Italian has their full support following the late 2-1 defeat against Derby County on Saturday.

Zola has lost 13 of his 22 games – winning just twice – since replacing Gary Rowett in December and Birmingham have slumped from seventh to 18th, six points above the bottom three.

Everton’s Ross Barkley punched in face during night out Read more

Rowett on Saturday marked his first return to St Andrew’s since his sacking, as Tom Ince scored a last-minute winner.

However, Birmingham reiterated their backing for Zola despite another defeat.

A statement read: “Birmingham City would like to clarify the situation in regard to Gianfranco Zola after recent articles in the media over the weekend: the club has not lined up any manager to replace Gianfranco, who has the continual full support of the Blues board of directors.

“Whilst we understand the frustrations caused by the run of results, the way the supporters got behind Gianfranco and the team on Saturday at St Andrew’s was typical of Blues fans’ passion, care for the club and desire for success, which is what we all share and much appreciate.

“The board and all departments at the club are keeping united and standing alongside Gianfranco, his staff and the players, to try and play the kind of football every Blues supporter deserves to watch.”