Chris Lepkowski outlines ‘quite significant’ battle Carlos Corberan faces at West Brom
Chris Lepkowski says Carlos Corberan deserves huge praise for keeping West Brom competitive while the club deals with “quite significant” financial issues.
Albion are firmly in the play-off picture with 12 games of the Championship campaign played, sitting ninth in the division and just two points adrift of the top six.
Corberan has had to deal with players departing in the summer and numerous injury issues, all while being unable to spend any money on new recruits due to a lack of funds.
Speaking on The Liquidator Podcast [23 October, 18m 16s], former Birmingham Mail reporter Lepkowski said: “If you’ve got great uncertainty at your employers, with issues you know are quite significant behind the scenes regarding financial matters, and you know that money is fast running out, I’d challenge anyone to not be affected by that – it’s human nature.
“You may not admit that in public, but I guarantee there will be an element of concern within people working at the club in a coaching and playing capacity. That’s only natural. Credit must go to [Corberan] for that.”
Messy situation
Every West Brom supporter is fully aware that Corberan is operating with one hand tied behind his back.
Loan signings and free agents have been snapped up, but the Spaniard would love to have been able to splash out even as little as £5million, say, on another player or two.
Given the takeover uncertainty, it may well be that things only get worse in the January window. Indeed, rather than strengthening certain areas, it might be that the Baggies have to cash in on a first-team player.
For now, all Corberan can do is ensure that West Brom remain competitive. And even accounting for only one point being collected over the past two matches, Albion are in a good position right now.
Given the messy situation off the pitch, Corberan has done a superb job in his 12 months at The Hawthorns helm and can only continue doing what he is doing.
In other West Brom news, an Albion player now looks good value to start against QPR on Tuesday (24 October).