Richard Beale has drilled two words into West Brom players
West Brom interim manager Richard Beale spoke about the qualities he'd requested from the Albion players leading into the Reading win
Richard Beale has been all about 'sweat and courage' this week in West Bromwich Albion training as he guided them to just their second win of the season in his first match in caretaker charge.
Albion sealed all of the points at Reading on Saturday thanks to lovely goals from Matt Phillips and Taylor Gardner-Hickman, one in each half, and it was a result which lifted them out of the Championship relegation zone.
Under 21 boss Beale was informed on Monday morning that he'd be overseeing first-team training after the departure of Steve Bruce and his staff, and aside from a clear and simple game-plan which was introduced to the players, he requested two qualities from them.
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They delivered what he asked in spades, from front to back. Albion were purposeful in possession and resolute when asked to defend, most notably in the final 20 minutes once Gardner-Hickman's stunner had allowed them breathing space.
"I'm sure most teams talk about a fast start, but the lads were well up for it. That's key, that's crucial. I said to them, the way you've trained this week, turn up and show sweat and show courage," Beale explained.
"The rest of it is out of your hands, so don't worry about it. Play free, show sweat and courage, of course we had a game plan but that sweat and courage I keep repeating is the most important thing in my mind.
"The rest will take care of itself. Play without fear, get on the front foot. That's what they did today, which was brilliant."
Beale's mantra will likely be reiterated again on Monday, as Albion prepare for the visit of Bristol City to The Hawthorns - a match which, at this moment in time, appears likely he'll be overseeing again.
There's room for improvement in his eyes, too, despite the heartening performance and encouraging score-line.
"Sweat and courage was number one, I make no apologies for repeating that, obviously that translates to working really hard, running really hard," he added. "On top of that I think we moved the ball quickly, which was good, we knew we'd need to do that at times if they were in a block, to open up spaces, we did a lot of work on that this week.
"We played the ball forward more and ran forward more, which is good, and our pressing was good as well. There was lots that wasn't good as well, but we're talking on the positives!"
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