Chris Lepkowski defends Valerien Ismael over his style of play
West Brom want Barnsley manager Valerien Ismael and have approached his club to request to speak to the Frenchman.
According to Sky Sports, talks are ongoing between the two Championship outfits over the issue of compensation.
Sam Allardyce left West Brom at the end of 2020-21 following their relegation, and the club want a manager that can lead them back up straightaway.
Despite guiding the Tykes to the semi-finals of the Championship play-offs last season, erstwhile sporting and technical director Luke Dowling was put off by Ismael’s direct style of play [The Athletic].
Former Birmingham Mail journalist Chris Lepkowski has attempted to clear things up, taking to his Twitter account to post some findings.
He said: “Spoke to someone close to [Barnsley] about Ismael’s so-called direct style of play. Made clear it was down to the players he had – as opposed to something he’d ordinarily favour. Implied better defenders would have seen an easier-on-eye style. Perhaps won’t be as pragmatic at WBA.”
Great
We need someone who has overachieved and Ismael is the perfect man for the task at the Hawthorns.
He is clearly someone who loves to make do with what he has, and he only decided to play direct football at Barnsley because of the crop of players he has.
Nevertheless, that squad did the impossible and punched above their weight.
West Brom have a better team and would look to recruit players the incoming boss wants.
The chance to aim at Premier League promotion again with a bigger team with better infrastructures in place would definitely appeal to the Frenchman, and we cannot wait to have him.
That West Brom have finally decided to pay compensation speaks volumes and is huge, and there is no denying that such a quality tactician is worth the hassle.
Our chances of returning immediately to the Premier League could be about to receive a massive boost, and staying up can be assured under such a dynamic manager.
We can only hope a deal works out between all the parties involved, and fans can finally start looking forward to a great campaign.
In other West Brom news, the Baggies want to sign English striker who scored 21 goals in 20/21.
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