Valerien Ismael
Valerien Ismael has revealed what he learned from his meeting with two West Bromwich Albion legends. The new Baggies head coach met with Tony ‘Bomber’ Brown and Chris Brunt at The Hawthorns shortly after succeeding Sam Allardyce. The trio enjoyed a lengthy conversation and Ismael has explained how he plans to use the words of Brown and Brunt to inspire his players.
Valerion Ismael said: “It was an honour to meet such legends and as a player when you stay such a long time at the club you know everything, the history, environment, the mentality. It was about talking about what it means to play for West Brom. To get the feeling, for me, and maybe in some situations in the season to know exactly what the expectation is and I can transfer into the team.”
Ismael joined Albion from Barnsley after a £2million compensation package was agreed to end a lengthy search for Allardyce’s replacement. During his one season at Oakwell Ismael led the Tykes to a surprise play-off spot despite operating on one of the Championship’s smallest budgets. A play-off spot is the minimum Albion will be expected to achieve in Ismael’s first season. The Frenchman has brought in some of his own coaching staff, but Baggies hero James Morrison will also stand alongside him on the touchline in 2021/22.
Valerian Ismael added: “The way we want to be, to involve everyone. People have worked a long time for the club and it will be a help for me and the staff. The identity and philosophy on the pitch is through players, former players. If we can involve former players in the club it’s always important for the fans to have that emotional connection.”
