Tony Pulis defends record at West Brom despite 10-game winless run
The Baggies have only won four games in their last 25 and having claimed victories in their first three matches of the campaign no sit just a point above the relegation zone
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Under-pressure Tony Pulis has defended his record amid talk he is one game from the sack at West Brom.
The Baggies have won just four of their last 25 games, stretching back to last season, and face Premier League champions Chelsea at The Hawthorns on Saturday.
They are winless in their last 10 outings, having claimed victories in their first three matches of the campaign, and sit a point above the relegation zone with Chinese owner Guochuan Lai flying over to watch this weekend.
Pulis has been in charge since January 2015 but conceded if the axe came it would not be unfair.
"No, not at all. If the club decide what they decide, I've got great respect for the football club, the supporters, the chairman, the board - it's just life. It's the way it is. If you don't get results, you're under pressure. I understand, the more you give, the more people want. We brought in a lot of good players, players we hoped would gel straight away, and we've been unfortunate.
"(Nacer) Chadli, (James) Morrison and (Oliver) Burke are all players who can create and score and we've not had them. Like every team, if you don't have your best players, especially at the top end of the pitch, you're going to struggle. People say the football's been boring but the last two games at The Hawthorns have seen nine goals scored. People tell me we're this, that and the other. Look at the league - there are four or five teams who have scored fewer goals than us.
"And one of those teams is my home-town club Bournemouth and everyone tells me what great football Bournemouth play and Eddie (Howe) has done a fantastic job down there."
Pulis is without midfield duo Chadli and Morrison, the former having picked up a hip injury after international duty and the latter having undergone Achilles surgery.
He added: "James won't play for the foreseeable future. We're very, very disappointing Chadli has come back - after playing two games for Belgium - and has ended up getting an injury (on Thursday) in training."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments