West Brom were held to a 1-1 stalemate in their penultimate pre-season friendly against League One side Rotherham United on Tuesday evening. Dara O’Shea’s equaliser cancelled out Freddie Ladapo’s first-half penalty in a game which saw three of Slaven Bilic’s new signings start, including Semi Ajayi who conceded the spot-kick against the side he only departed over the weekend. However, it was the Croatian’s ‘Pep’ talk behaviour post-match which drew comparisons from some supporters to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola…
Bilic has just had a long, slightly animated, chat with Kyle Edwards on the pitch. Looked encouraging and positive. Edwards was lively when he came on. pic.twitter.com/ZkKFZb07EF
— Matt Wilson (@mattwilson_star) July 23, 2019
Bilic was seen having an animated chat with West Brom’s academy graduate Kyle Edwards following his 29-minute substitute appearance. The discussion looked to have been well after the full-time whistle with only the pair remaining on the pitch. Many of the Hawthorns supporter base were quick to make comparisons as well as praising their new manager.
One supporter said the masterstroke this summer was signing Bilic, claiming that he could transform the club. Another fan added that it was great to see someone in a dugout so passionate – something The Baggies have maybe lacked in the past when considering they had to endure the monotonous Tony Pulis for nearly three years.
Others claimed that Bilic was their very own Championship Guardiola whilst more fans added weight to that comparison by stating it was “Very Pep Guardiola” to be coaching a player straight after the game. Some members of the Hawthorns crowd simply stated their love for their new manager.
The 50-year-old was appointed just over a month ago having been out of work since February after he was sacked by Saudi side Al-Ittihad. It’s clear to see the former West Ham boss is already making his mark felt up in the West Midlands.
You can read the best selection of tweets from West Brom fans below:
After all the negativity earlier in the month things starting to look up now especially with the names linked if we get them. But master stroke was bilic. He could transform us. So far have to eat humble pie and praise downing here
— Luke Stokes (@lukestokes84) July 23, 2019
Love this! Man management at its finest
— Rich (@Rjunez7) July 23, 2019
Our very own Championship Guardiola
— Kieran (@WBAKizz) July 23, 2019
See this is what young lads need, encouragement, positivity and telling. Bilic obviously see’s he has ability and its trying to channel him. Good on slaven
— AdKido44 (@AdKido44) July 23, 2019
Very Pep Guardiola. Coaching straight after the game
— Raj (@jahwibble) July 23, 2019
Can I love this man anymore???
— John (@Johntur01) July 23, 2019
It’s great to see someone in a dugout so passionate
— Daniel Hill (@Wbadanny123) July 23, 2019
— Joebell???????? (@joebell45) July 23, 2019
Guardiola Esque
— KB ???? (@KRB89) July 23, 2019
Very encouraging
— Rory Joseph (@Celtic_Baggie) July 24, 2019