Steve Bruce suggests tactical change at West Brom
Steve Bruce says the first thing he has done at West Brom is making changes.
The new Baggies boss has assured the fans that he will bring tactical flexibility ahead of their Championship clash against Sheffield United.
Albion played a rigid 3-4-3 system in every match under Valerien Ismael but Bruce has made it clear that may not be the case going forward.
“I toyed with that – they have been playing a certain way and they haven’t changed at all,” said Bruce, as quoted by Express and Star.
“But the first thing I have done is implement change. So I’m sure everyone will see, without giving anything away, a difference.”
New direction
Bruce has clarified one thing – Sam Johnstone will be back into the side.
The goalkeeper missed the last two games after falling out with Ismael.
However, Bruce is set to bring him back, and has hailed him as a “very talented” goalkeeper.
Kyle Bartley and Matt Phillips won’t feature for this game at Bramall Lane, Bartley is sick, while Phillips is out with a foot injury.
What Bruce needs to do is win some games and get the confidence back into the side, irrespective of style and tactical nuances.
The results have dried up recently, with the Baggies managing just one win in seven Championship games. It needs to change quickly.
West Brom have slipped to sixth in the league table, and they are in real danger of missing out on the play-off spot.
However, under an experienced manager like Bruce, West Brom can hope to quickly climb up the table in their next few games.
In other Albion news, West Brom duo Sam Johnstone and Semi Ajayi could return v Sheffield Utd.