Roberto De Zerbi expects Robert Sanchez to bounce back from being left on the bench.

But the Albion head coach was delighted with Jason Steele’s performance against West Ham.

On his home Premier League debut, Steele made a couple of valuable blocks in the first half and was excellent with his passing from the back.

De Zerbi said: “I am sad for Robert because with him I have one of the best relationships.

“I spoke with him yesterday but I think my job is to be a coach.

“You have to be honest and clear and Jason now is playing better than Robert.

“Robert is playing well but Jason was fantastic in build-up, for example, in my style.

“Maybe he is closer than Roberto to my style.

“But I think Robert can work to arrive at the same level.

“Okay, there are different characteristics, I understand, but Robert is a good guy and I think he will want to improve in this aspect.”