Former West Brom boss Valerien Ismail hits out at Guochuan Lai
Former West Brom manager, and current Watford boss, Valerien Ismail has hit out at the Baggies ownership over a lack of communication during his time at the club during an interview with the Watford Observer, via the Express and Star.
Ismail claimed that there was a lack of communication between himself and Guochuan Lai during his time at the club, and it would sometimes take months to hear back regarding any questions he had about the club or players, saying he’d prefer to get an answer straight away.
These comments came when discussing the Watford ownership and their training ground-based office, saying it makes communication easy, which was not always the case during his time in the Midlands.
Speaking to the Watford Observer, and reported via the Express and Star, Ismail stated: “I think it [the owner’s office at the training ground] is actually an advantage.
“We can also have a chat very easily. We don’t have to wait two or three weeks or even months to meet each other. That gap is too big. We can chat with each other at any time, and talk about training, transfers, the club in general, other things we need.
“Yes it was the opposite at West Brom and I was not happy. It was difficult to have that communication. If I have a question, I would like an answer straight away and not wait.”
An insight into the working relationships at the club
Every manager is different, some prefer constant communication with the higher-ups at a club, and some prefer to be left to get on with their business without too much interference. It is clear that Ismail is one of the former.
Current Baggies boss Carlos Corberan has never expressed any issue over the communication and has previously discussed his strong working relationship and admiration for club hierarchy including CEO and Managing Directors Ron Gourlay and Mark Miles.
A difference in communication style isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as previously mentioned every manager likes to work differently, and the same can be true for owners, with Lai clearly differing in style to the Pozzos at Watford.
However, going months without communication from the owner, particularly if important questions and discussions are necessary, could lead to unrest and confusion at the club if not worked properly.
In other West Brom news, Mark Miles has shared a positive new transfer update.