Sam Allardyce: West Brom can't let their heads drop
Sam Allardyce has warned Albion can’t start feeling sorry for themselves if they are to stand any chance of pulling off a Great Escape.
The relegation-threatened Baggies are 10 points adrift of safety with boss Allardyce admitting they need to win six of their remaining nine Premier League matches to avoid the drop.
Despite winning just two top-flight matches since he replaced Slaven Bilic as head coach in December, Allardyce insists he has been encouraged by the spirit of his players and a general improvement in performances, even if the necessary results have not been achieved.
He will urge his players not to let their heads drop as they look to kick-start a survival bid away at Chelsea in the first match following the forthcoming international break
“I think the morale here, considering the position we are in, has been very good,” said Allardyce. “We need to stay buoyant, we need to stay active and we need to enjoy our training. We can’t feel sorry for ourselves.
“We need to keep the team spirit we have built and I think everyone can see we have been very, very, close to achieving more points. That gives us the confidence to carry on.
“We can’t have any slip-ups, we know that. So the pressure is mounting. Can we deal with that pressure to get the victories we need?”
Meanwhile, defender Kieran Gibbs is lined up for a move to Inter Miami at the end of the season.
The former England left-back Gibbs is out of contract and ready to join the MLS club owned by David Beckham.
