Morrison wary of Wolves 'mind games' over Raul Jimenez injury - and says his players are raring to go in Molineux showdown
17.09.26, 18:00 Updated 17.09.26, 18:28
Steve Tudgay
In today's press conference ahead of derby day, James Morrison delivered more good lines than Gary Oldman in the latest series of Slow Horses. The Albion boss was relaxed but also sharp in answering questions ranging from Raul Jimenez's reported injury to whether his side are favourites or underdogs for this keenly-anticipated Black Country battle.
Here are some of the highlights:
- On Jimemez: 'I'll believe it when I see the teamsheet on Sunday. It could be mind games. We'll stay focussed on what we need to do to get the win.'
- On inviting club historian John Homer to talk to the squad about the importance of the clash: 'It's a game for the fans and I wanted the players to know exactly what it means. I've know John for nearly 20 years, he's brilliant bloke. I couldn't think of anyone better to get the message across.'
- On a player becoming a derby-day hero: 'These are the games that can make you as a player at a club. We've seen it with someone like Peter Odemwingie. His hat-trick in 2012 will never, ever be forgotten by the fans.'
- On squad rotation in recent matches: 'I think we've been clever in how we've used the squad at our disposal. I noticed the last two sides we've met at home, Watford and QPR, had seven or eight players out injury. We couldn't cope with that many players out, we've just haven't got the numbers. We need to rotate and I'm pleased with the minutes we've been able to get into the players in the first 9 games in league and cup.'
- On being favourites or underdogs on Sunday: 'You've got to say it as it is really. They're just down from the Premier League and they have a bigger squad than us so I'm ok saying we go there as underdogs. But that doesn't mean we go there in our shells .. I want us to go and play the way we want to play and try for the win.'
Become a member today.
Full Throstle needs its community to support independent, high-quality coverage of West Bromwich Albion. Subscribe to a monthly or annual package today to be a part of something special.
Already have an account? Sign in
Related Topics
Steve Tudgay was a journalist for the Birmingham Evening Mail during the early 90s when West Brom were managed by Bobby Gould and Ossie Ardiles. You may remember him - he was the one banned by Gould! Since then he has worked in television for ITV Sport, Sky Sports and Premier League Productions.