View: West Brom could be set to make huge mistake as Man City clash looms
Slaven Bilic is on incredibly thin ice as West Brom manager and things could get worse against Manchester City on Tuesday.
After Saturday’s defeat to Newcastle, the signs are not positive for the Croatian and while he looks set to survive until the City match, he is under enormous pressure.
After 12 matches the Baggies sit 19th in the table with just one win, which came against the side in 20th, and only six points.
The data paints a sorry picture and unfortunately for Bilic, he cannot hide from results. As much as he may point to bad luck and good play in patches, both of which have been present, the results have not been good enough team are in grave danger.
However, there remains a sense that dismissing Bilic would still be a mistake. This is the same man that led the Baggies to promotion last season while playing an exciting attacking style of football, winning over the fanbase in the process. The former Croatian international got the best out of young stars like Grady Diangana and Matheus Pereira, while he has introduced the likes of Conor Gallagher this year.
Furthermore, he was not backed in the transfer market over the summer and the obvious issues facing the squad will continue to be present under a new boss. Bolstering the centre-back position with a player in Cedric Kipre that is yet to appear in the Premier League and a 36-year-old Branislav Ivanovic was frankly a dereliction of duty by the club.
Going forward, the Baggies face a fierce battle to stay in the division, regardless of who is in charge and perhaps they should take the long view, but like Norwich City did last season. Rather than firing Daniel Farke, the man that got them promoted, they stuck with him, kept their best young players and are now back at the top of the Championship.
Given the time and financial support in the transfer market, Bilic looks to have what it takes to keep the Baggies competitive in the Premier League. However, it now appears he will never get that opportunity.
In other West Brom news, are the Baggies about to make a big mistake over Bilic?
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