And boss thanks fans for Spain flags tribute
PEPE Mel insists Albion’s buzzword for the rest of the season must be ‘pragmatic’ as he prepares for tomorrow’s crunch clash with Swansea (ko 3pm).
The Baggies lie precariously above the relegation zone on goal difference, with ten games remaining.
And the Hawthorns boss admits it is no longer about performances – but doing whatever it takes to get points on the board.
“What we really need to be now is pragmatic, regardless of how we actually play, what we need to do now is win games,” said Mel.
“It’s important the players are extremely comfortable in the way in which we play.
“What’s important now is we need the points, it’s not so important the way we achieve this.”
Albion will be backed by a sell-out 2,000 travelling fans at the Liberty Stadium, some of whom have decided to bear Spain flags in honour of Madrid-born Mel.
“The supporters really are the heart and soul of the club and I can only thank them,” he added.
“Since I’ve come here to West Brom they’ve been extremely kind to me.
“I’m extremely indebted to the supporters of West Brom.”
And he quipped: “But perhaps this isn’t the best game because Swansea have eight Spanish players!”
The Albion chief will be hoping to get the better of some familiar faces in the Swans camp, most notably Jose Canas and Alejandro Pozuelo, who worked under Mel at Real Betis.
“The fact that Swansea have players I know doesn’t matter,” he said.
“The most important thing is that West Bromwich Albion do well.
“Indeed, Swansea have a lot of Spanish players and I know them very well.
“Some of them are even friends.
“But the most important thing is that West Bromwich Albion go on and win.”