Fresh start for Roko

Last updated : 17 November 2008 By Wba-mad Editor

Slovenian captain Robert Koren insists Albion must now make a fresh start after dropping to the bottom of the league gaining just one point from their last six games. The fixture list has not been kind to Albion pitting them against Liverpool and Chelsea in consecutive weeks, although the Baggies now face both Stoke City and Wigan away - teams Koren believes Albion can beat.

"People say the league starts for us now and, in a way, it's true because we will meet some teams that we can beat," the energetic midfielder said

"But we need to prepare ourselves really well.

"We must give 100 per cent in training and try to play good football to create chances, score goals and win matches because we need points soon.

"In the period up to Christmas, we need to get as many points as possible because we are at the bottom.

"It's not easy but we still need to stick together.

"We need to think about Stoke and then focus on the next games."

Before travelling the short distance to the Potteries, Koren has been selected to play for his country at home against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday although he admits he has been thinking about Stoke's direct approach before Saturday's game (KO 3pm).

"Every team has a different style and Stoke have a special style so we need to prepare for how we will stop them," the No.7 continued.

"They have a long throw and are really dangerous and score lots of goals from that situation.

"We need to prepare ourselves for it, defend well and be good in the air.

"But we also need to try to play on our own level and hopefully we will score some goals.

"It's a long time since we won at Stoke so hopefully this will change.

"It is difficult but we never think too much about the opposition because you need to focus on yourself.

"Of course, the manager always gives us some information about how the opposition play and where they are dangerous.

"We know Stoke are dangerous from set-pieces - especially throw-ins.

"We will practice for it this week and do our best on Saturday.

"But we need to think about how we will play, create chances and hopefully we will score more goals than them and get some points."