Instant impact needed for Pepe Mel at West Brom
January 15th, 2025by Colm Brosnan
After Steve Clarke was let go by West Brom after a run of four consecutive defeats in the league, it took a while for the board to appoint a new manager. Keith Downing took over on a temporary basis and picked up draws against Hull, Spurs and West Ham as well as a big win at home to Newcastle on New Year's after the team had some breathing space, it was last week former Real Betis manager Pepe Mel was appointed as the new Head Coach at The Hawthorns whose achievements include guiding Betis to seventh place in La Liga last season.
Mel watched from the stands in Albion's dismal display at St. Mary's on Saturday and realised the tough task he has on his hands. The Baggies only lost 1-0 but were completely outplayed by Southampton and an opening for Adam Lallana was calmly slotted into the net.
The loss to The Saints leaves them just three points above the relegation zone, giving Mel limited time to regroup and discover who he wants in his XI when he takes charge for the first time in a televised match against visitors Everton on Monday night.
As the team is assessed, all players will be out to impress in this large and decent squad Mel has to chose from. Players such as Nicolas Anelka and Morgan Amalfitano have done good for the team this season but have been largely inconsistent in recent times. This is a chance for an outcast like Graham Dorrans to impress in training and return to the side as the Scotsman hasn't made a League appearance since September 1st against Swansea.
Wingers Zoltan Gera, James Morrison and Scott Sincalir will all be looking to cement a more regular place in the team as well, the latter having a nightmare of a loan spell so far having been niggled by injuries throughout. The case is the same with Anelka, Mel has choices of Saido Berahino, Matej Vydra, Victor Anichebe, Shane Long (if he stays an Albion player) and Anelka himself as strikers. All can do a good job and score goals but with the amount of strikers in the squad, the players have been limited to cameos from the bench as there is usually one spot up top with Stephane Sessegnon in the hole.
Pepe Mel hasn't got it easy so far, an in form Everton side as a first game wouldn't be good for any manager in charge of any side. When The Baggies visited Goodison Park in August they managed to hold Everton to a goalless draw but this time Everton have since added Gareth Barry, James McCarthy, Gerard, Delofeu and of course former West Brom loan star
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