Club News

Mulumbu: Do it for the fans

Midfielder hopes to reward supporters and remains relaxed on contract talks

YOUSSOUF Mulumbu has called on his team-mates to reward Albion supporters with a positive end to the Barclays Premier League season.  

The Baggies have recorded 14 wins this term - their most in the top flight since 1984/85 - and will be looking to build on a successful campaign in their final three fixtures. 

Steve Clarke’s men face a tough test at Manchester City tomorrow (ko 7.45pm) before Saturday’s trip to Norwich and a final-day Hawthorns showdown with champions Manchester United. 

And the DR Congo international hopes they can bounce back from Saturday's 3-2 defeat by Wigan. 

“We're going to try to do more with the season and I don't want to let it slip after the Wigan defeat,” said Mulumbu.

“I will give my best and I think my team-mates are going to do the same. 

“It’s important we do that for the fans.

“They deserve that this year. 

“We've been good this year so we don't want to mess about at the end as it would be a shame.

“The supporters don't deserve that either.

“We've got them in our minds so me and my team-mates will not let our standards drop. 

“We’ve got some challengers in this dressing room so we're going to do everything to win all of the remaining games.

“We’re enjoying our football but that can be dangerous as you relax - but we don't want to do that. 

“We will be aiming to get at least three or four more points.”

Steve Clarke last month revealed the club were in talks with Mulumbu regarding a new contract, with his current deal expiring in June 2015, plus a further year's option in the club's favour. 

But the 26-year-old midfielder remains relaxed on the subject.

“We're still talking but there is no rush,” he added. 

“The most important thing is the team. 

“We will carry on discussing my contract and I think step-by-step we're going to find a good situation for me and for the club.

“I'm hopeful we can sort something out. 

“Football is strange sometimes so there is no rush and we’ll see what happens in the summer.” 

The former PSG man returned to the Baggies starting XI against the Latics after completing a three-game suspension for his dismissal at West Ham.  

And he insists defensive errors denied Clarke’s side the opportunity to record their tenth home win of the campaign after twice taking the lead. 

“We started really well and played some good football," said Mulumbu.

“We were poor defensively but we were great when we attacked. 

“We made some mistakes when defending crosses.

“I think in the Premier League it's difficult to win when you concede three goals. 

“Wigan looked like they were in a hard position but they came back from that. 

“It was a strange because when we were winning 2-1 I thought we were going to score the third goal.

“But you can’t give three goals away in the Premier League as it makes it very hard to win the game.”