‘Like I’ve never seen’ - West Brom defender opens up on life under Carlos Corberan

West Bromwich Albion won a second successive game on Saturday as they beat Queens Park Rangers by one goal to nil in the Sky Bet Championship. It’s now two wins out of three for Carlos Corberan in the dugout and the Spaniard has already been subject to plenty of praise.

Things didn’t get off to an ideal start as Albion lost 2-0 to Sheffield United on Corberan’s managerial debut, but since then there has been a real improvement. The former Huddersfield Town boss has now had longer to work with the players - and it shows.

One player in particular who has shone under the new man is Kyle Bartley. The centre half has started each of the last two matches after returning from injury and they’ve both been victories with clean sheets.

The 31-year-old even scored in the Baggies’ last outing, a header which turned out to be the winner. He feels the new head coach has a lot to do with West Brom’s recent success.

“His tactical knowledge is absolutely different class,” Bartley said at the weekend. “It’s something like I’ve never seen in my career. Him and his staff have been absolutely fantastic since he came in.”

Not only have the results improved under Corberan, but the performances and confidence too. A lot of this could well be down to the public praise he has already been displaying - as is the case when he returned Bartley’s kind words.

“Before I signed here, I knew how important Bartley is, how important he has been for the club,” Corberan said. “My target is for him to recover the best of him. I have coached many times against him, and he is one of the best centre backs in the league.”

Strong praise from the gaffer, and no wonder the Baggies now go into games with a bit more of a spring in their step. It is of course early days still, but Corberan’s desire and belief in players is very refreshing.

West Brom play once more before the World Cup international break - at home to Stoke City on Saturday, November 12. A win in that one could see Albion soar out of the relegation zone and as high as 15th. Supporters will be hoping the confidence carries through.