West Brom boss Ismael plays mind games on Fulham and Bournemouth – Kevin Phillips
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 has accused West Brom manager Valerien Ismael of playing mind games with the Championship’s top two with his recent comments.
As quoted by the Express & Star on Thursday (9 December), Ismael said that being third in the Championship is possibly the “best position” to be in right now.
As it stands, Fulham are top of the Championship with 44 points, Bournemouth are second with 43 and the Baggies are six points behind them. All teams have played 21 of their 46 matches this term.
Phillips understands why Ismael feels being third is an advantageous position to be in right now and he also feels there’s a hint of the Frenchman playing mind games with his comments.
“I understand where he’s coming from,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“Having been in this situation myself, I know why he’s saying it, it’s to put pressure on and play mind games on the teams in front of him. I wouldn’t disagree with him.
“Sometimes when you’re up there at the top, you’re there to be shot at and people want to beat you. But if you’re hanging around where West Brom are at the moment, six or seven points off the top with a lot of games to play, the pressure’s not really on from the outside.
“Of course, there is pressure from your own supporters but from the outside looking in, he’s kind of right.
“The performance last week (2-1 win v Coventry) was very good against a tough side so things are hopefully picking up.
“I agree with what Ismael’s said there to be honest.”
West Brom play Reading at The Hawthorns on Saturday as they aim to continue their unbeaten run at home in the Championship.
No other team in the second-tier is unbeaten at home but Reading have proven to be awkward guests this season, winning four of their 10 away days.
In other West Brom news, Phillips wants Albion to sign this available Arsenal player in January.
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