The Championship manager of the season candidates would have raised many an eyebrow in West Bromwich. Carlos Corberan will not mind one jot as he is very much all about the team, but you do have to question what more he could have done to get into that shortlist of Leeds’ Daniel Farke, Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna and Hull City’s Liam Rosenior.
Just last week he insisted he wasn’t bothered and football was a team sport, which it is and you would expect nothing else from as classy a man. But the more you think about it, the more baffling it is.
Corberan has created a solid defensive structure that is tough to break down, but with attacking players given freedom and movement who, when on form, are easy on the eye and a pleasure to watch.
One of the best defences in the league and one of the best home records, the stats bear that fruit. At almost every press conference, the opposing manager will mention how well coached West Brom are.
The Baggies are much more than the sum of their parts and Corberan is the leading conductor. Just look at his red card against Southampton. That came from him wanting to get on with the game and urge his players on.
His own press conferences are insightful, intelligent and articulate, and all done in his second language. A fantastic man manager and talker who undoubtedly inspires his troops into battle.
Let’s look at the results between Corberan and the three candidates. Leeds needed a late equaliser to claim a point at Elland Road while Grady Diangana’s goal gave West Brom the win at home. West Brom handed Ipswich their first away loss with one of their best performances of the season, while the Tractor Boys needed a late equaliser at Portman Road. And at fortress Hawthorns, West Brom beat Hull 3-1 and drew 1-1 away. So Corberan is unbeaten and has taken four points off all three.
All of this with an horrific run of injuries which has seen him have to play without a striker at times and integrate youngsters into the team, of which Tom Fellows looks destined for the top.
Off the field issues have also been around this season with the ownership up until recently hanging over people’s heads and a lack of financial resources compared to rivals. Hull could bring in the likes of Anass Zaroury and Fabio Carvalho, Premier League players and very good ones at that, in January Leeds had the benefit of parachute payments and many premier league players. I don’t think any can argue with Kieran McKenna’s inclusion, the expected winner.
