Carlos Corberan admits ‘unfair’ treatment shown to West Brom midfielder Tom Rogic
Carlos Corberan has admitted that his treatment of West Brom midfielder Tom Rogic has been “totally unfair”, but he needs to make those tough decisions.
The 30-year-old midfielder, who enjoyed rich success with Celtic, has struggled for regular games at the Hawthorns. He has managed only four starts in the Championship, managing one goal and three assists.
He featured in the 3-0 win over Bristol City in the FA Cup on 28 January, but was dropped from the squad in the 1-0 win over Coventry City last week.
“It’s complicated sometimes to give you the answer,” said Corberan, as quoted by Football Scotland.
“I know how good a player Rogic is and how hard it is to leave a player out who could be in the first XI – not just someone who could be on the bench. We can play with a specific number 10, and then a specific 10 on the bench.
“Or, you play with a number 10 and a player who has a different profile, and you don’t take two seats on the bench with two players who give you the same. It depends more on this than the player. I can only tell you that to leave Rogic out of the squad is totally unfair on him. Sometimes to leave out another player is unfair for him too.
“Some players are going to manage difficulties very well, difficulties as a coach for me and for the players, it’s all about our journey together. I only can involve 16 outfield players in the team every game, and I have 20 very good players.
“Four will be out of the group, when they’re working well – as they are – it means that every decision you make might be the right one, but it’s unfair. This is one of the worst parts for me as a coach – to make unfair decisions.”
Make sense
The Australian is a fantastic player, no doubt, but currently Corberan can’t give him regular minutes.
The managers are paid for making tough decisions, and dropping a player of Rogic’s quality is indeed a tough decision for the Spaniard.
The Baggies are on a fantastic run at the moment, and Corberan finds it hard to change his midfield system that has worked so well for him.
On top of that, Rogic’s position and lack of versatility is a big problems. Managers these days look for players who can cover numerous positions. But in his case, he is most likely to miss out being on bench even (if he’s not starting) because he cannot perform other roles.
He produced some good performances under Steve Bruce before Christmas, but it has to be said that it’s been a mixed season for him at the club.
Three or his last four games have come in the FA Cup. He has barely featured in the Championship, and chances are high that he will miss again for the clash against Birmingham on Friday (10 February).
In other West Brom news, the manager has been warned that he could be judged very harshly if his decision turns out badly.