Carlos Corberan’s West Brom wish must ring true otherwise ‘dream scenario’ will reach abrupt end

Carlos Corberan has called for better game management from his players ahead of West Bromwich Albion’s vital final-day clash against Preston North End.

The Baggies have dropped into sixth below Norwich City following three defeats on the trot – and matters could crucially worsen further with a finish outside the play-offs still possible. Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday was a mighty blow, allowing Hull City to move within just two points with one game to go.

Although West Brom dominated possession and managed more attempts on goal than Wednesday, it was a bitterly disappointing afternoon at Hillsborough. There was a lack of attacking conviction and defensive mishaps crept in.

“We cannot make excuses and we have to manage those situations much better. I think it was clear that we didn’t compete at the level which was needed to be able to pick up the result we wanted,” Corberan admitted to WBA TV after Saturday’s heavy defeat.

“It’s important now to analyse the reasons for that. We are one group of players and one group of staff members who will always take responsibility. You have to find the solutions on the back of a result like this,” Corberan said.

A draw against Preston on Saturday will be enough to secure Albion a top-six finish – unless Hull sensationally beat Plymouth Argyle by 11 goals or more. But gaining victory is important as it’ll make a fifth-placed finish more likely, providing a more favourable play-off semi-final fixture.

“We have a big feeling to improve in the next game because we know we haven’t performed at our best level. It’s part of our job to digest this feeling. We have to depend on ourselves to achieve what we want to achieve,” Corberan asserted.

The head coach’s wish must ring true otherwise the journey to Premier League promotion could sink before it’s even sailed.