Exclusive: Phillips sure of West Brom agreeing way to jet players in from abroad
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips has backed West Brom for their decision to allow three senior players to return to their home countries last month.
According to The Athletic, Kamil Grosicki, Ahmed Hegazi and Ali Al-Habsi were allowed to fly out to Poland, Egypt and Oman respectively ahead of what would have been March’s international break.
However after they were granted permission to head to international duty by the Baggies, their fixtures were cancelled and countries began to close their borders due to the increasing threat of the coronavirus pandemic.
It remains to be seen what will happen in the coming weeks and months regarding the football season in England but if football is able to resume before countries re-open their borders, there’s a chance West Brom could be down by three players.
Although that is one possible scenario, Phillips believes it was the right decision by West Brom, simply because it has allowed Grosicki, Hegazi and Al-Habsi to be with their families at this uncertain time.
“It’s always difficult. At this time in football, it’s not in comparison with being with your family members. I don’t think it was a mistake, it’s good to let these players go back and be with their families,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“If they really want to get these players back, I’m sure there’s a way. I’ve just seen the government are now putting on flights for people who are stranded abroad. I’m sure something can happen with the football club and the government to fly a player back on a private jet. There’s always ways to get these players back.”
Phillips is right, plus it is not as if West Brom knew what was going to happen.
Would they have let those three players head home if they knew what was going to happen? They probably wouldn’t have because other foreign players like Matheus Pereira, Filip Krovinovic and Kenneth Zohore have stayed put in the West Midlands.
In other West Brom news, Albion’s turnover plunged by £54million after relegation.