Roberto Di Matteo believes that Albion’s break under the Spanish sun is just what his squad needed before a hectic period of ten games in 48 days starting with Bristol City next Saturday (KO 3pm).
Despite being without seven players away on international duty, Di Matteo took all members of his squad – regardless of their fitness – to the La Manga training complex with the intention to build lasting bonds between squad members.
"It's a shame that we have so many players away on international duty but we have brought all the other players away with us - the injured players and everybody else that is available," the Baggies’ head coach said.
"We are working hard and training but it's also important that we keep the team spirit going because it can be a vital part of the season.
"If you have a good team spirit when it comes to the middle and end of the season it really can be important.
"This is the last international break for a long time now and there will be many games in December and January, so hopefully if we keep everybody involved we should be in the mix."
The short trip away also gave Di Matteo extra time to work with his troops on the training pitch after a hectic period of games limited his time on English soil – especially on defensive situations.
"We have been working since the start of the season and even in pre-season," the Italian added.
"We have been working very hard on the defensive side of the team.
"But we have had a lot of changes as well with players coming in and out of the team, and we have had to change things around.
"But I think slowly you can see now that the work we are doing, and that we continue to do, is starting to pay off.
"It helps you to win games if you manage not to concede, or at least make it difficult for the opposition to score a goal.
"It gives the whole team confidence."