Chris Lepkowksi has been left fuming at the West Brom display as they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Middlesbrough on Saturday, 23 December.
The former Birmingham Live journalist believes that the Baggies players looked exhausted mentally and physically which affected their ability to make calls on the field of play.
Despite losing, they still remain in the play-off places, sitting in fifth place with 36 points to their name.
Via Twitter, Lepkowski wrote, “A set of #wba players who look utterly knackered, physically and mentally (to the point of making poor calls). This squad is what it is – stretched and weary, but capable of much better at its apex. Credit to Boro. They could, and should, have won more comprehensively.”
Need to improve
In a competitive league like the Championship, maintaining peak physical and mental conditions is imperative for consistent performance.
Despite remaining in the playoff spots, the expectations are higher and dropping points against opponents like Middlesbrough is not acceptable.
The acknowledgement that the squad is “stretched and weary” underscores the need for squad depth and effective rotation, especially during a congested fixture period.
With the January window around the corner, it remains to be seen whether or not there are reinforcements brought in.
For West Brom to achieve their aspirations of promotion, addressing the physical and mental fatigue, enhancing squad depth and ensuring better decision-making on the field are elements that need immediate addressing.
Carlos Corberan is doing well but there’s only so much possible with such limited backing from the board and the takeover chaos may hinder the January plans.
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