West Brom pundit Andy Johnson makes prediction over Carlos Corberan future amid Leeds links
Carlos Corberan will reject any advances from Leeds United and stick with an “exciting project” at West Brom, according to former Baggies midfielder Andy Johnson.
The Spaniard was linked with a return to Elland Road back in February but opted to stay at The Hawthorns, missing out on the play-offs by finishing ninth in the Championship.
Ron Gourlay’s departure as chief executive has seen renewed links between Leeds and Corberan but Johnson is tipping the head coach to stay put.
“I think – and I don’t know because I haven’t had a conversation with Carlos about it – that he is at the beginning of an exciting project for him,” Johnson told the Express&Star.
“I don’t think he’s the sort of bloke that would jump ship from that. I think his passion for West Bromwich Albion is there for everybody to see.
“Sometimes the grass isn’t always greener and Leeds is a hell of a job, the expectations to bounce straight back, what they will all expect and demand is quite a job.
“He’s three-quarters of a season into his job here and I think he seems happy. He won’t have enjoyed missing out on the play-offs, he’d have wanted that as we all would, but I know he’ll be the sort that the morning after Swansea he’d be working on next season and who’s coming in.”
Uncertainty no good for the Baggies
There are no shortage of issues to solve at West Brom, not least the fact they are in a precarious position financially and will be earning less from parachute payments this term.
Several of the squad’s top performers are being linked with a move elsewhere, and the turmoil continued when it was announced Gourlay is to leave his position.
Corberan is said to have a good working relationship with Gourlay, so it is understandable that speculation resurfaced that he could be tempted back to Leeds where he was formerly an Under-23 and first-team coach.
At a different time, the project at the Hawthorns may have been one to get stuck into long term but as things stand it could end up being a difficult task for whoever is in the dugout.
One thing that is for sure, whether Corberan stays or goes, the Baggies need some swift resolutions. The uncertainty off the pitch will do them no good on it come August.
In other West Brom news, fans are fearful over the return of an unpopular figure.