By George Overhill

15th Nov, 2023 | 4:10pm

Carlos Corberan raves about West Brom job, reveals 'huge impact' of Hawthorns visit as Leeds United assistant

Carlos Corberan has expressed how “delighted” he is to be managing West Brom and revealed the “huge impact” his first visit to The Hawthorns left on him.

The Baggies boss told Panenka on 15 November that the initial impression of the Albion stadium when visiting as an assistant of Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds United had left a lasting impression, with the atmosphere “one of the greats” in English football.

Corberan has variously been linked to moves away from West Brom since his arrival last season, including for the top job back at Elland Road on two occasions, but his effusive praise of the club appears to have reaffirmed his commitment to the promotion fight in the Midlands.

Corberan said: “I still remember the first time I visited the West Bromwich ground. It was when he was an assistant with Bielsa at Leeds. 

“The stadium had a huge impact on me. The atmosphere that was breathed was of the highest level. One of those moments that are not forgotten. 

“For me he has always been one of the greats in England.”

He later added: “West Bromwich is a great team that I am delighted to work for. From the first day I have felt the love of the fans. I have the hope of giving the entity the greatest possible achievements. 

“That in each game people feel represented with what we do and that they see that our commitment to the game is maximum. Every time I train, I do it for that. 

“And I hope I can return the team to the category in which for me it deserves to be.”

Made for each other

If there were still lingering doubts over how committed Corberan was to the project at The Hawthorns these comments should help ease them.

The Spaniard’s impact on the club since he replaced Steve Bruce amid a genuine threat of relegation just over a year ago has been about as great as the one he felt when arriving as a visitor the first time.

With a takeover on the cards by the end of the season, and a potential easing of the dreadful financial picture at the club along with it, he should be freed from the restrictions that he has been operating under in the past 13 months.

Given he took a club that was heading into League One to within touching distance of the Championship Play-Offs last season, and has West Brom well in the picture to secure a place this term with a third of the season gone, the potential for what he might be able to do with proper investment behind him is clear.

Unless a club which constitutes an indisputable step up comes calling it certainly sounds like the Baggies boss doesn’t plan on going anywhere soon, which will no doubt be a major relief to fans.

With players coming back from injury on the other side of the international break, having gone in off the back of a close loss to Southampton, Corberan should be boosted for a bruising run of four games against top half sides.

The top two in Ipswich and Leicester on the horizon, as well as Sunderland one place above the Albion, and ninth-placed Cardiff in succession after this weekend.

In other West Brom news, the Baggies are chasing a “versatile” ace in the January window with a New Year move on the cards.