Club News

Krovinović ‘proud’ to join Bilic’s Baggies

Filip Krovinović described linking up with fellow Croatian Slaven Bilić as a “proud” moment after becoming Albion’s first summer signing.

The 23-year-old, who has joined the club on a season-long loan from Portuguese giants Benfica, will have the opportunity to work under the Baggies Head Coach for the first time during the 2019/20 campaign.

Krovinović has a tremendous amount of respect for his fellow compatriot having watched Bilić guide Croatia to two consecutive European Championships and, in the process, help develop some of the nation’s most promising youngsters into the game’s top players.

And the versatile midfielder believes the Croatian connection can help him “conquer” the challenge of testing himself in English football.

Filip said: “This is my first time in England and it will be a new challenge.

“I hope that I will conquer the challenge and play lots of games here.

“The coach Slaven Bilić knows me and I know his work. He was coach of the national team and he did a great job there, as well as at West Ham and Besiktas.

“I am very proud to come here and play for the club and for Slaven Bilić.

“The Croatian coaching staff will make it easier for me to settle because we speak the same language.

“Slaven can teach me a lot of things because he is a great manager.”

Krovinović arrives at The Hawthorns with a reputation of being technically gifted.

And the new man can’t wait to show Albion fans what he is all about.

“I am a number eight or a number 10. I’m a technical player. I like to have the ball and I like to control the game.

“Of course, everybody likes to score and assist also.

“I haven’t set myself any goals or targets I’m just focused on playing well for West Bromwich Albion.

“I can’t wait for training. I was training hard during the summer and I hope that I won’t be too far behind the rest of the players. I’m prepared.”