Athletic journo claims West Brom staff held midseason talks that led to ‘dramatic’ change
West Brom underwent a “dramatic” change in fortunes after club chiefs held a vital summit with key players in the dressing room to try and address the team’s inability to defend balls into the box, according to The Athletic.
The Baggies struggled to cope with aerial threats at points during their promotion campaign, and their poor defending culminated in a crisis meeting between coaches and senior players including Jake Livemore, Ahmed Hegazi, and Kyle Bartley after the 2-1 defeat to Cardiff City back in January.
It was at that point that a decision was endorsed to make the change from zonal marking to a more traditional man-to-man approach, and Albion’s fortunes subsequently took an upturn.
Writing in a piece for the Athletic, Steve Madeley said: “The susceptibility to corners, free kicks and crossed balls had become a recurring problem that required a solution.
“It was found in two special meetings between coaches and senior players. The Athletic understands that coaches called in senior figures, including Kyle Bartley, Jake Livermore and Ahmed Hegazi, for a meeting in the training ground’s analysis room.
Bilic and his lieutenants had already decided to switch from zonal marking at set pieces to a man-to-man system but the move was wholeheartedly endorsed by the dressing-room leaders.
“Players also gave their input on how they should set up to defend set piece and how specific roles should be assigned. The change in fortunes was dramatic.”
If we’re being honest, we love this.
Defending balls into the box, and set pieces in particular, was a real issue for the Baggies in the earlier stages of season, and one that quite clearly needed addressing as soon as possible.
The fact that Bilic and his staff took such a collaborative approach to solving the problem is really pleasing to see, and hints at a real togetherness and openness in the dressing room.
As we’ve seen from Sheffield United this season, that kind of unity can be a vital tool for a newly promoted side, and you would like to think that the Baggies can carry it forward into the top flight next season.
In other West Brom news, Chris Brunt details what Albion must do to succeed in the Premier League next season
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