Boss delighted to come back and draw with in-form Reds
PEPE Mel was delighted to see his men come from behind at half-time to draw with 1-1 Liverpool – insisting: “That’s the way to do it.”
The Baggies fell behind to Daniel Sturridge’s 14th league goal of the season in the 24th minute, and struggled to create chances of their own before the break.
But Mel was pleased to see his players carry out his ‘pressing’ plan perfectly in the second half and earn a deserved point through Victor Anichebe’s 67th-minute equaliser – his second strike of the season.
“We forgot in the first half the way to do it,” said the Albion head coach, who wore a black armband during the game in honour of former mentor and Spain coach Luis Aragones after he passed away.
“We put on a high press but Berahino and Vydra pressed the centre-backs of Liverpool, leaving Gerrard and Henderson free, which was a problem for us.
“In the second half the two strikers high pressed the midfielders of Liverpool and this is the way to do it because behind Yacob and Mulumbu did good work.
“The goal came from the high press, with Gera and Vydra pressing Cissokho.
“Then they produced a bad pass.
“This is the way – a high press must be done together, not just with one player.
“I think we have done good work over two weeks and I think next week we’ll get better.
"It’s normal and we’re doing good work on the training pitch.”
Following yesterday’s fixtures, the result means the Baggies are now just a point above the bottom three – but also only a point adrift of 12th spot.
“It was very, very important we did not lose,” Mel added.
“The players want and believe this is the way to win.
“Losing back-to-back games is no good for us.
“All the teams are good in the Premier League.
“For us it is important day-by-day, week-by-week that we work to make sure we are in the Premier League.”