'Every game is now a Cup final' Bristol City goalkeeper Max O'Leary ready to give it all in promotion race

The way that Bristol City goalkeeper Max O'Leary set the scene for the Robins’ promotion challenge was just neat as his handling during recent weeks.

Starting with a daunting trip to high-flying Burnley next weekend seventh-placed City now have eight games left to play this season and O’Leary and his colleagues are clearly raring to go. For he revealed that every EFL Championship game would be treated like a Cup final by the play-off chasing Reds – because of City manager Liam Manning’s family tragedy.

“We will be treating every game as a cup final where you’ve got to play it as if it’s your last game,” said O’Leary who has played every minute of the season for City. “We’ve been trying our best to maintain that mentality and it’s been working so far and long may it continue.”

Growing influence

O’Leary has revealed the Robins’ play-off quest has been inspired by the way brave Manning has dealt with the tragic loss of baby son Theo last October. Manning considered quitting as he grieved Theo but returned to the dug-out after a two-match absence to lead the club’s promotion push.

He sang the praises of Manning for his leadership during what has been a challenging season. With the Robins firmly in the hunt for a play-off spot, O'Leary believes the team’s approach has been crucial to their success so far.

The 28-year-old has been in exceptional form in recent weeks, delivering a series of standout performances that have kept City within touching distance of the top six. His shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure have been instrumental, with his display in a dramatic 2-1 victory against Norwich City, further highlighting his growing influence.

Against a dangerous Canaries side, City found themselves two goals down early on, but O'Leary produced a string of outstanding saves to keep his team in contention. Despite Championship top scorer Borja Sainz adding a late goal, the Irish international’s command of his penalty area, defensive organisation, and confidence in distribution played a key role in securing a crucial result.

Unbeaten run

Manning, meanwhile, continues to earn widespread praise as City extended their unbeaten run to seven matches heading into the international break. The victory over Norwich - courtesy of Mark Sykes and Nahki Wells strikes - also marked the Canaries' first away defeat since January which is regarded as further testament to the progress City has made under his management.

O'Leary, in particular, has spoken highly of Manning, expressing his admiration for the City boss, especially given the personal challenges he has faced this season.

O’Leary, who impressed Manning last season when he took over as manager from Nigel Pearson, told Bristol World: “Liam has been great to work under. It’s been a really tough year for him and his family, and he deserves full credit for the way he’s led this group through a difficult time.

“I think the whole experience has really bonded the squad and it’s shown there really is more to life than football. The fact he came back in such a short amount meant all the boys have a huge amount of admiration for him. It shows what a great man he is as well as being a great manager.”

Despite facing personal challenges, Manning has successfully unified the squad, fostering a resilient mindset and strong belief within the group. O’Leary’s remarks highlight the togetherness in the dressing room—an essential factor in City’s ability to navigate tough matches and secure crucial results.

Bath-born O’Leary also spoke about his personal relationship with Manning and the trust that exists between them as the club gear up for what promises to be a tense season's finale.

Key leader

“It’s a pleasure to come in and train every day because of the competitiveness and the overall way we work,” O’Leary added “I’ve got an open relationship with the gaffer which means we can talk things through and that’s very useful.

“I will own mistakes, and he will too and so it works both ways and we’re on the same page. To get that balance and having to change the way we play has been important. I know what he wants from me and it’s my job to implement his instructions. I’m pretty similar to Liam in that I’m not too high when things are going well and not too low when they don’t go to plan.”

Establishing a high level of trust between manager and goalkeeper is essential, particularly in high-pressure scenarios where decision-making can significantly impact outcomes. The City goalkeeper has evolved into a key leader within the team, playing a pivotal role in guiding a relatively young defensive unit through the demanding intensity of a Championship play-off race. Bristol City’s recent form has positioned them strongly in their pursuit of a play-off spot, and O’Leary is resolute in his commitment to maintaining this momentum.

“We are trying to go out and express ourselves and do what we want to do,” O’Leary continued. “If we stick to the way we want to play and not try to chase the end outcome, it will come to us.

“It’s about having that bit of confidence or almost arrogance at times to go and play the game how we want it to be. It’s been a great effort so far and we’ve got to keep it going. I’d like to think we can stay in the play-off places.

“It’s always nice to play and win on a Friday night because it means you can exert a bit of pressure on your rivals. We all watch the Friday night games when we’re away from home, so it’s about sustaining the level we’ve shown against Sheffield United and Norwich and we’ll get the right rewards.”

City’s defensive resilience has been a key factor in their recent seven-match unbeaten run, with O’Leary playing a vital role in keeping opposition attacks at bay. His performances against promotion-chasing sides like Norwich and Sheffield United have proven that he can be relied upon in high-stakes matches, something that will be crucial in the final stretch of the season.

With every game now carrying extra significance, O’Leary and his teammates are embracing the challenge, knowing that a play-off spot remains firmly within their grasp if they can maintain their recent standards.

The Robins will need to continue their strong defensive performances while finding the right balance in attack, but with O’Leary’s commanding presence between the sticks, they have a solid foundation to build upon as they aim to secure a top-six finish.