West Brom manager Carlos Corberan has expressed high praise for Southampton ahead of their upcoming clash, emphasizing the need for his team to perform exceptionally well in all aspects of the game to secure a victory. As a former assistant to Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds United and having guided Huddersfield to the Championship playoff final, Corberan is currently achieving success with West Brom, trailing Southampton by just one point after 15 matches. The encounter at St Mary’s sets the stage for a fourth-versus-fifth contest.
Despite West Brom’s strong position, Corberan acknowledges the formidable challenge posed by Russell Martin’s unbeaten Southampton side, highlighting the importance of near-perfection to stand a chance. He recognizes Southampton’s quality in football production and the caliber of their players, asserting that excellence is required in every aspect of the game, including goal kicks, pressing, build-up play, and both attacking and defending in the final third.
In anticipation of the match, Corberan underlines the necessity of managing the game effectively to achieve a positive result, acknowledging Southampton’s strategic decisions in rebuilding their team after relegation. He notes their clear targets for the season, emphasizing their determination to return to the Premier League. Corberan also emphasizes the importance of confidence and belief in winning games, stating that without these qualities, matches become more challenging, and teams may lack the bravery and resilience needed for success.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s game, Corberan emphasizes the need for his team to maintain the competitive level they have demonstrated recently. He acknowledges the unique challenges each game presents but stresses the key to success lies in being competitive in different scenarios.