‘You might as well sack him now’ – Exclusive: Pundit reacts to John Percy update on Bilic future
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 claims West Brom might as well sack Slaven Bilic now rather than waiting to see how the side performs in their next couple of games.
Albion face Tottenham at The Hawthorns on Sunday before playing against Manchester United at Old Trafford in their first match after the international break.
According to Telegraph journalist John Percy, the clash with Spurs could be make-or-break for Bilic, with the newspaper reporting that Baggies chiefs will have to make a decision on his future if they suffer a “heavy defeat and poor performance” this weekend.
Former West Brom striker Phillips doesn’t think it’s fair to let Bilic’s future hinge on a game against one of the most in-form sides in the Premier League.
“You might as well sack him now if you’re going to say that but if they lose those two games, they could quite easily find themselves sitting bottom of the table,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“They’re not bottom at the moment so there’s still light at the end of the tunnel but if they were to get thumped in the next two games… the United game will be a big one because they’re not in great form – there’s pressure on their manager. By the time that game comes, both managers could be fighting for their jobs.
“It’s a tough ask but I’m not going to jump on that bandwagon and say get rid. I’d stick behind him at the moment and then hopefully those players will turn it around and put in a performance.
“They were disappointed on Monday night. They can’t afford to perform like that but ultimately, the man who pays the price is the manager.”
If you’re not going to sack Bilic after a defeat to Fulham, why would you sack him after a defeat to Tottenham?
Harry Kane and Son Heung-min are two of the best players in the Premier League at the moment and with West Brom’s defence so poor, they’re bound to wreak havoc at The Hawthorns this weekend.
When you become a Premier League club, there are certain matches you target wins in and this isn’t one of them.
Albion won against Spurs and Manchester United when Darren Moore was in charge in 2018.
But that shouldn’t mean anything going into this match.
In other West Brom news, Bilic could axe one player for a decisive match against Tottenham this weekend.
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