And midfielder refusing to get carried away
CLAUDIO Yacob believes Steve Clarke’s coaching and ‘winning mentality’ is bringing the best out of him – and the team.The 25-year-old midfielder has been impressed by the Baggies boss since his arrival at The Hawthorns in July.
And he says being on the same wavelength as him has helped him make what appears to be a seamless transition from Argentina’s Primera Division to the Barclays Premier League.
“I have been very impressed by him,” said Yacob.
“It is very easy to understand the instructions he is giving even without the language.
“There is clarity and there’s good communication on the training ground which is helping me a lot.
“I feel from Steve Clarke that he has a winning mentality and that’s very important for me and the team.
“I can feel it and I have the same mentality.
“It stands out very clearly that he has a lot of experience and that’s helped me to settle down, and you can also see that it has helped the players to establish themselves.
“It may seem that it's been easy for me - but it’s not easy.
“From the first day I arrived at the club I realised it was a challenge, and I’ve worked very hard since the very first day I came to the club.
"As a result of that I think the performances are showing.
“In the next few games we need to keep that going.”
The combative midfielder is refusing to get carried away with third-placed Albion’s flying start to the season.
And his focus remains very much on amassing as many points as possible by Christmas to give the Baggies a strong platform to push on during the second half of the campaign.
“There’s a long way to go and it’s a long championship,” Yacob added.
“I feel it’s important that we accumulate as many points as possible by about December.
“I think by Christmas we need to have collected as many points as possible and then after December we will be able to see what sort of position we can get West Brom in.
“In terms of the performance obviously winning is a good habit to get into.
“We have a winning rhythm.
“I don’t see a problem in terms of future games as I think we can carry on with that pattern.
“As long as the team stays together and performs, like it has in the three games so far, then it’s just a case of carrying on with that winning mentality.
“If we do that then everything will be fine.”
The former Racing Club de Avellaneda star has two senior international caps for Argentina.
And, while continuing to deliver for Albion remains his priority, he hopes his form pushes him towards further international recognition.
“It’s a possibility that my football for West Brom could help me get a place in the Argentina side,” he said.
“Obviously any player that plays well and stands out in the Premier League is going to create an interest from their national side.”