West Bromwich Albion boss Slaven Bilic has set his sights on more away day success following an impressive run which has helped guide the Baggies to the top of the Championship table.
In an interview on their official website, Bilic claims that being allowed to feel more ‘calm’ away from home can sometimes be beneficial to them.
“Nowadays in football it’s strange, because at the end of the day, at the end of the season you have more home wins, or points, than away,” he said.
“But when you look at it, and it’s not easier to play away from home, it’s easier to play at home because you are playing at your stadium, on your turf in front of your fans, but sometimes at home you are rushing to create things.”
“You are not as calm, you are rushing, you want to score a goal, now! You are rushing to take a throw-in, but sometimes rushing leads to mistakes.”
“You are not so worried or concerned if you don’t have as much of the ball away from home. If it’s 0-0 or, if you are drawing, you can wait for a chance. That makes you a bit calmer, bit it’s better to play at home, of course.”
The Baggies have so far accumulated more of their points total away from the Hawthorns and the Croatian boss is impressed with their clean sheet haul on the road in recent weeks with them having not conceded in three of their last four away games.
“It’s been really good and we’re not giving our opponents so many opportunities. And then, when we give them a chance, or when they create one we have Sam [Johnstone] who is in good form.”
“To be fair, I’m happy, because it’s teamwork to defend, to have a clean sheet. It’s not only your back four or whatever, it’s your whole team, and we have improved a lot. It’s a good thing to know and a good thing to have.”
