Fabian Hurzeler spoke to reporters a day ahead of Albion’s Carabao Cup tie at Arsenal.
Here are five things which caught our attention from his Tuesday morning press conference.
Set-piece debate
It is Arsenal so there was a LOT of talk about set-pieces.
Hurzeler pointed out Albion have invested in a set-piece coach.
He spoke about their “set-piece culture” and said they have shown they can defend against such plays.
But it did not feel like he is a big fan of the current set-piece trend.
Albion have scored from corners in each of their last three away games.
Hurzeler said: "Long term you have to be convinced of your identity.
"But there are adaptations and small adjustments you need to do."
He suggests the success teams are having on set-plays such as long throws might prove to be short term.
The Arsenal threat
Hurzeler was quite willing to recognise Arsenal as currently the best team in the Premier League
But he called for: “Belief in our quality, belief in our style of play, belief we can beat every team if we do the basic things right.”
Another injury
James Milner looked a likely starter at the Emirates – but it is not to be.
He has been ruled out by a muscle issue, Hurzeler told us.
Arsenal was the venue where his injury problems started last season.
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While Hurzeler said the absence is not expected to be lengthy, that has been the case in the recent past with other players who remain absent – namely Brajan Gruda, Kaoru Mitoma and Joel Veltman.
It is obviously hard to give timescales on these absences – basically it feels like they are out until they are back!
Milner’s absence appears to increase the chances of Carlos Baleba continuing in midfield on cup night.
Penalty shoot-out?
Could it go the distance? The teams, for what it is worth, shared two 1-1 draws in the league last season?
If it does, Albion have clearly lost two reliable spot-kick exponents in Milner and Gruda.
Jason Steele is expected to play in goal.
Hurzeler said Albion have been practising penalties - but that they always practise them. Not just in cup week.
Ferguson message
The head coach was asked about three English players out on loan in Andrew Moran, Evan Ferguson and Mark O’Mahony.
He is delighted for Moran in Los Angeles and then addressed the other two.
“They are both good personalities, good fighters.
“It is not easy for Evan to go into another culture.
“It is a completely different style of football so I think we need to be patient with him.”
Should Roma therefore be patient with Ferguson?
That was our follow-up question and we will bring you the answer soon….
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