Boss considers changes

Last updated : 01 October 2009 By Wba-mad Editor

Roberto Di Matteo has revealed he could rest a number of Albion’s inexperienced youngsters as he tries to end Albion’s winless streak.  The Baggies have had a week to forget after losing to Arsenal in the Carling Cup plus Crystal Palace and Barnsley in the league. 

No stranger to performing in high-profile fixtures himself, Di Matteo admits it’s difficult for youngsters to performer to their maximum week in, week out – especially with the busy Championship schedule offering little respite.

“It’s difficult to get the appropriate rest when you’re playing every three days," said the former MK Dons chief.

"We also have Robert Koren who has a bit more experience and hopefully we’ll get one or two other players back as soon as possible as well.

"Having been a player, it is impossible to play 46 games at the same level.

"You will have better games than others.

"The important thing is when you’re not having a good game, you’re still having an okay game – that’s what you’re looking for.

"Youssouf and Dorrans didn’t play much last season.

"I’m sure they will get better and better as the season goes on."

Meanwhile, first-team coach Michael Appleton has insisted there’s no need to panic after three consecutive defeats.  Despite the blip, the Baggies still find themselves in 2nd place behind Newcastle with Appy relishing the trip to his former club Preston on Saturday (KO 12.45).

"Sometimes when you get off to a fantastic start like we did you can get into a frame of mind where the lads just do the same thing game after game, and it works," the former Preston and Albion midfielder said.

"Then, when those things don't work for a couple of games, it can be a bit of a shock to the system, and can take some time to react to it.

"It was a strong reminder of what this division is all about and, if any of the players were under the impression that the league would be a stroll, then the last couple of games have been a wake-up for everybody at the club, including the coaching staff.

"It just proves that in this league if you don't have eight or nine players right at it in every game it is going to be very tough to win matches.

"But I do know there is no panic. We are second in the table and we have got 20 points.

"We are on the target of two points per game that most clubs would want if they were going to think about getting promoted.

"We are disappointed with the last two games but there is probably not one thing you can put your finger on and blame.

"It is probably the nature of this league that every team is going to lose games.

"The key thing when you lose a couple of games is not to get your heads down and make sure that it doesn't become a three, four or five-game run."