Club News

Olsson calls for more of the same

Defender hopes team-mates can build momentum in his absence

JONAS Olsson has urged his team-mates to use Saturday’s success at Swansea as a springboard as Albion’s crucial run of fixtures against survival rivals continues at Hull this weekend.

The Sweden international led by example as stand-in skipper for the injured Chris Brunt as the Baggies came from behind to triumph 2-1 at the Liberty Stadium - securing Pepe Mel’s first win since taking charge.

It proved a massive three points amid what is a congested relegation battle in the Barclays Premier League and Albion will now be looking for further reward when they travel to the KC Stadium to face another side scrapping for survival, with Cardiff and Norwich also fast approaching on the horizon.

Centre-back Olsson will be unavailable against the Tigers as he starts a two-match suspension having collected his tenth booking of the campaign in South Wales.

But he hopes to see a continuation of what was an impressive second-half display against the Swans.

“It’s a great win and hopefully it’s a turning point for us,” Olsson said.

“It’s important to get into this period in the right way. These four games are going to be crucial for our season, anyone can see that.

“It’s important to get that confidence now and then you approach the games and the week in training with a smile instead of anxiety, everyone was very happy and very relieved.

“We’re still in it very much, though, so we need to do what we did second half and need to do it over 90 minutes in these games coming up, and I think we’ll get some points there as well.”

The joy was clear for everyone to see at the full-time whistle in Swansea as Albion’s bumper away following of 2,000 supporters celebrated in the stands.

They were also joined by victorious scenes on the pitch as a jubilant Mel congratulated each of his players as they revelled in the welcome triumph.

Speaking about the unity in the squad, Olsson, 31, added: “It’s a great group, a very honest group.

“We’re focusing on our bits, which is sticking together and trying to go out there every Saturday and turn things around.

“On Saturday we did and that’s credit to the players and coaching staff as well. 

“The feeling in the dressing room is definitely that everyone is on board and pulling in the right direction for the big goal - which is staying up.”