Slaven Bilic, the former West Bromwich Albion manager, has spoken up about his time at the Hawthorns and guiding the Baggies back to the Premier League.
The West Midlands club was relegated to the Championship at the end of the 2017/18 season, but it only took two seasons of second-tier football for Bilic’s team to return to the top level.
Unfortunately for the Croatian, he was dismissed of his duties less than three months into the new season, after a 1-1 draw with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, with the club sitting second bottom of the Premier League.
The board’s decision seems severe, especially given that West Brom finished second in the Championship the previous season, with the league’s third-best defense and joint-second-most potent attack.
Nonetheless, the ex-Watford manager has good recollections of his time at the Hawthorns, but he admits that the COVID-19 outbreak “spoiled” the celebration a little.
In an interview with the Coaches’ Voice, the 55-year-old stated [via West Brom News]:
“West Brom is a massive club with a lot of meaning in the community.” You have a responsibility to those people, and the outcome determines your quality of life. But I had a great time.
“Fortunately, it clicked for us at West Brom in that 2019/20 season.” We played well, and we were tied for first place with Leeds. Then Covid arrived, and while there were bigger issues in the world, he spoilt everything a little.
“We got promoted, but not with a full house and everything.” Still, I’m pleased of that promotion and what we accomplished for West Brom fans. The Championship is difficult, but being a part of it made me happy.”
Author’s Opinion
Bilic’s dismissal appeared harsh at the time, and in retrospect, it may have been the incorrect decision from the board, considering that the Baggies were relegated at the end of the season anyway under Sam Allardyce.
The Croatian is the club’s most recent head coach to return to the Premier League, but perhaps Carlos Corberan will follow in his footsteps this season.
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