West Bromwich Albion have begun their pre-season preparations as Valerien Ismael’s side look to bounce straight back to the Premier League and secure promotion out of the Championship next season. The Baggies have start their Sky Bet Championship campaign with an opening game at AFC Bournemouth on Friday night, August 6. To prepare for the start of the new season, West Brom will play five pre-season friendlies this month. Ismael is confident there is ample time to prepare his players for the new campaign.
Valerian Ismael said: “Pre-season will help us prepare for this. During pre-season we will be able to implement the philosophy we want for the players so they are ready for the first game of the season in August. It will be important for me to understand how the group of players here play and think on the pitch, and they will be learning a new way of playing. It will be a long season but pre-season is going to be crucial for us. The boys will need to trust the process and our purpose is to take care of the players and see them compete together.”