West Bromwich Albion 0 Genoa 1 - match analysis and pictures
Albion are set to turn their attentions to tactics after the Baggies' players were told the worst of pre-season training is over.
Steve Clarke's men suffered their first defeat in four pre-season matches as they were beaten 1-0 by Italian side Genoa at Telford's New Bucks Head last night thanks to Francesco Lodi's deflected goal 20 minutes from full-time.
But assistant head coach Kevin Keen believes the players are on course to be ready for the Premier League kick-off on August 17.
And Clarke's right-hand man revealed the focus in training would switch to 'sharpness' next week.
"Fitness-wise, the gaffer has told the boys this is the end of our really tough period – the first two or three weeks of pre-season," said Keen.
"Physically it's hard and in training on Wednesday we didn't ease up, whereas in a normal preparation for a Premier League game the day before would be nice and easy and the lads wouldn't have to do much.
"The lads have got a bit of time off over the weekend to get their legs back and then we've got two games left, Cork and Bologna, where hopefully people will see a sharper side.
"Genoa are a decent team, obviously, and we're disappointed we lost but it's pre-season and the work-out was a good one for us."
The Baggies generally made a bright start and Markus Rosenberg delivered a dangerous cross from the left that just evaded Kemar Roofe at the far post.
After a dreary 20 minutes of play, Genoa conjured a chance from the left when Santana's cross was met by Andrea Bertolacci, who sent a cheeky flick with the outside of his right foot just wide of the far post.
Albion made a sloppy start to the second half and, after young goalkeeper Luke Daniels got away with some poor handling, Roofe gifted possession to Jurab Kucka and he fired just wide.
But the Baggies then came to life and went close on several occasions.
Graham Dorrans twice had shots blocked, first by keeper Perin Mattia from a 25-yard effort and then by the face of defender Thomas Manfredeni after clever link-up play by Nicolas Anelka.
Genoa finally broke the deadlock with 20 minutes to go with a move that began with a sublime backheel from Davide Biondini.
Andrea Bertolacci picked out Francesco Lodi, whose powerful shot took a big deflection off Shane Long to beat Daniels.
Albion (4-3-3): L Daniels; Tamas (Jones, HT), McAuley (Dawson, HT), Olsson, Popov (Ridgewell, HT); Yacob, Mulumbu (Brunt, HT), Dorrans (Birch, 66); Roofe (Atkinson, 76), Anelka (A Nabi, 66), Rosenberg (Long, HT). Sub not used: Myhill (gk).
Genoa (4-2-3-1): Perin (Donnarumma, 84); Sampirisi, Portanova, Manfredini (Granqvist, 79), Antonelli; Lodi (Strasser, 72), Cofie; Bertolacci (Velocci, 88), Kucka (Biondini, 66), Santana (Ventre, 80); Gilardino. Subs not used: Zima, De Maio, Rafati, Simic, Jara, Blaze.
Referee: Robert Madley (West Yorkshire).
Attendance: 912.
