View: Why international break has come at the worst time for West Brom
International breaks are rarely welcomed by a manager, but West Brom boss Slaven Bilic must be cursing his luck at the timing of this latest interruption.
Putting aside the obvious risks associated with international travel in this very unusual environment, the Croatian definitely hit on something during the Baggies narrow defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. With a return to the back three, Dara O’Shea and Semi Ajayi impressed, while Conor Gallagher and Callum Robinson provided an improvement in attack.
According to the official West Brom website though, all four are set to go away with their countries on international duty for the next week or so, in addition to the recently reintegrated Kamil Grosicki.
Their absence from training could prove a real blow for Bilic and his squad, especially as he looks to embed and build upon this system that proved effective against Spurs. Ajayi has made seven league starts already this season, but often in a back four, while O’Shea was making his first start since early October. For them to grow their understanding of the system and build a strong channel of communication with the central part of the back three, whether that is Kyle Bartley or Branislav Ivanovic, they need time on the training field.
It is no secret that the Baggies have struggled going forward this season and eight matches into the season, they have generated the lowest expected goals total in the division (via FBRef).
However, against Spurs they were improved and caused some genuine issues, with Robinson and Gallagher a key part of this. Both had two shots in the game, with Gallagher striking the post and completing a match leading three dribbles. With Grady Diangana dropped, the Republic of Ireland international Robinson offered a more direct dribbling threat and had a cross cleared off the line (via WhoScored).
Grosicki did not make the squad against Jose Mourinho’s side having only recently had his touted move to Nottingham Forest rejected. On his return though Bilic confirmed that he would be involved going forward (via Express and Star), but that process will take longer now that he is away with Poland.
Looking ahead to the trip to Old Trafford, there are plenty of reasons to be positive given Sunday’s showing. However, the international break has come and the worst possible time and Bilic will be cursing his luck.
In other West Brom news, ‘Do we get extra points’ – These WBA fans feel the same way about Mourinho post-match comments