West Bromwich Albion reporter Joseph Masi has been discussing the future of Valerien Ismael at the club.
The Baggies manager is certainly going through something of a tough time at the club right now.
Not only are they going through a rather awful run of form – winning just two of their last eight games and putting a serious dent in their chances of automatic promotion, but there have been reports that there is something of a revolt going on in the dressing room, as claims suggest “a growing number of players are losing faith in him”.
Speaking on the Express and Star YouTube channel, Masi discussed the Frenchman’s future at the club, and seemed to hint that whilst there was a lot of pressure being piled on behind the scenes when it came to Ismael, given the parameters that were laid out when he took the job, it might be difficult to get rid of him so quickly.
Although, he did finish by saying that he wouldn’t be surprised to see West Brom make a change soon.
Masi said: “What we believe is Ismael’s future is under serious, serious consideration. I think that is only natural. I think there’s a lot of people who I think at the vast majority of clubs, he probably would have lost his job, if we’re being honest.
“He’s respected amongst the Hawthorns hierarchy and he’s respected by the people that employ him. I don’t think it’s going to be an easy decision for them – it’s going to be uncomfortable for them if they have to sit him down and relieve him of his duties.
“They hired him on a four-year deal, they wanted to really install a long-term plan. They’ll believe that with long-term plans, there can be bumps in the road.
“But what we do believe is that Ismael’s future is under serious consideration, it would not be a surprise if he was to lose his job. But as things stand, he remains West Bromwich Albion’s manager.”
TIF Thoughts on Joseph Masi’s comments about Valerien Ismael at West Bromwich Albion…
Will Ismael last the season?
Yes
No
You do wonder how long that leash is set to be with Ismael as the club moves towards the business end of the season.
Whilst he may be ‘respected’ by members of the hierarchy, the more people below that turn against him, the more you feel the decision might be forced upon the owners to take action rather than just let things run their course.
Given the claims surrounding the players, while it also appears as though the fans have certainly had enough of him – with a recent poll conducted by The Express and Star claiming that 90% of them want him to go – it certainly wouldn’t be the biggest shock to see Ismael dismissed.
So it does make you think that his time may well be limited the more support he loses. And if results don’t pick up soon, it might get to a point of no return for him and the club.
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