Club News

Mel: It was a 'beautiful' end

New head coach happy with first game in charge

PEPE Mel hailed his players for providing him with a ‘beautiful’ end to his first-ever Barclays Premier League game as Albion came from behind to draw 1-1 with high-flying Everton.

The new head coach received a rousing reception from the home fans as he fulfilled his dream of coaching in England’s top flight.

And he watched his men fall behind to Kevin Mirallas’ 41st-minute opener before Diego Lugano earned a precious point with a leveller – his first Baggies goal - 15 minutes from time.

“It was a good night,” said Mel.

“The fans were very, very kind to me and today was a dream for me.

“It was a long day for me working since 8am to get ready for the game - but the end is beautiful.

“I think the result really is a very fair one.

“In the first half we were too open and in the second half we were compact and better.

“In the first half we made a lot of errors, which could have really cost us the game.

“Thankfully we were able to talk about them at half-time and correct the issues.

“The second half was very important for me.

“It is a very good first step.

“Everton are a very good team so for us to have 50 per cent possession is very good.

“I need to work very hard but I am very happy with my players because they want to play and work.

“But everyone who works for the club goes away from here tonight thinking we’ve done a good job.”

The new Baggies boss described Lugano’s finish as like a No.9’s and hailed the performance of man of the match James Morrison, who supplied the cross for the goal.

And he also explained his thinking behind the game-changing substitution he made at half-time by bringing Victor Anichebe on for Matej Vydra.

“We were too open in the first half and I needed the long play,” he added.

“For long play Anichebe is better.

“Diego’s header was like a striker’s goal – he should be a No.9!

“James was man of the match and is a very, very good player.

“I think his future is bright.”