Valerien Ismael
West Bromwich Albion’s pre-season friendly clash against Walsall has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. The Baggies were due to take on the west midlands team at the Banks’ Stadium on Tuesday night as they step up preparations for the 2021/22 season. New West Brom Valerien Ismael is preparing his side for the Championship campaign as they look to bounce straight back to the Premier League after relegation at the end of last season. However, the weather means that the game had to be called off just over an hour before kick off due to a waterlogged pitch. In a short statement, Albion confirmed the postponement of the match.
West Bromwich Albion said: “Albion’s pre-season friendly with Walsall has been postponed owing to a waterlogged pitch. Details regarding ticket refunds will be released in due course.”
Following the game at Walsall, Albion are due to take on midlands rivals Birmingham City at St Andrew’s as they round off their pre-season campaign. West Brom take on the Blues on Saturday afternoon before they kick off their Championship campaign against Bournemouth of Friday, August 6. It is unknown if the game will be rearranged, with the postponement serving as a possible spanner in the works of the pre-season preparations. Following the goalless draw vs Watford, Ismael explained how important the pre-season clashes are.
Valerian Ismael said: “We need a few more games to be at our top level in terms of intensity and physicality. You need to get the games to become fitter. It’s clear that I feel that at the moment it’s a great feeling, the guys they’re all together, they adapt now with the way to train, the way to play and as I say [Watford] was a great test for us to see where we are and where we want to be.”
