David Wagner does not fear the sack at Huddersfield

David Wagner does not fear for his job despite Huddersfield starting the new year rooted to the foot of the Premier League table.

The Terriers will bid to snap a club record nine-game losing run in all competitions on Saturday in a vital game at relegation rivals Cardiff.

Another defeat would leave Wagner’s side 11 points behind Neil Warnock’s Bluebirds, who will start the game one place and two points above the drop zone.

When asked if he feared for his future, Wagner said: “It’s not about fear, it’s about that I’m not happy, which is how I should be after all these results.

“It’s about how I feel responsibility. I like to put smiles on people’s faces like we have done over the last three years and a couple of months.

“I’m not able to deliver this and this is nothing that satisfies me and this is what I meant when I said I know and I feel the responsibility for it.”

Huddersfield owner Dean Hoyle repeated in October that he will not sack the German even if the club are relegated after two seasons in the top flight.

Wagner worked wonders when he first arrived at the John Smith’s Stadium in November 2015, transforming the club from relegation candidates to promotion winners in his first full season.

“I can’t ask for more support than I have had from the board, especially from Dean our chairman,” Wagner said.

“We are always, even at the minute, in very tight and honest conversations about everything, so I can’t ask for more.”

Hoyle has also stated that he will not let the club drift towards relegation, but so far in the transfer window the Terriers have signed only defender Jaden Brown, in a permanent deal from Tottenham, and forward Jason Puncheon on loan from Crystal Palace.

Wagner refused to comment on speculation that Town have had a bid turned down by Leicester for striker Shinji Okazaki, although he hinted several options were being pursued.

Puncheon is expected to make his league debut for Hudderfield against Cardiff, while defender Christopher Schindler will return to contention after sitting out last week’s FA Cup defeat at Bristol City due to a one-game ban.

Midfielders Aaron Mooy, Danny Williams (both knee) and Abdelhamid Sabiri (collarbone), plus defender Tommy Smith (hamstring) are still out.