We're trying to get that win our performances deserve - Johnson

Their pressing and dominance in matches this season hasn’t always ended in a positive result after 90 minutes, but Johnson says his players believe in the process.

They have been unfortunate to hit the woodwork 10 times this season and are proving to be one of the most attacking sides in the Sky Bet Championship, averaging 14 shots per game.

Speaking ahead of the home fixture with Preston North End this weekend (November 10^th, 3pm), the City head coach said: “We’re really looking forward to getting into this Preston game, back at home and we’re trying to get that win that our performances have deserved.

“The message to the players is to keep the faith, keep believing and they do because they enjoy the way we play, they can see it being successful.”

Johnson also described how his squad differs to last season, with more confidence playing out from defence and adapting the counter-attack style.

“It’s different to last year where we sat back and played on the counter attack,” Johnson said, describing the playing philosophy.

“This year the attributes of our players are different. We have a lot of quality in bringing the ball out of the back, we built well and it leaves the opposition in a place where they are ready to counter attack but we have to be dominant.

“We have done that, we’ve the post 10 times but if a few of those had gone in may be third of fourth in the league.

“That’s not an excuse as many clubs will have their own versions of that and we continue to provide the correct process for the players to go and be successful.”

WATCH: LEE JOHNSON'S PRE-MATCH INTERVIEW