Pepe Mel: We'll make West Brom fans proud
New boss Pepe Mel today promised Baggies fans a glimpse of his new-style Albion when they take on Everton at The Hawthorns tonight in his first game at the helm.
The Baggies kick-off the Mel era by taking on the Toffees at The Hawthorns in the first of 17 games the Spaniard has been handed to keep his side in the Premier League.
And the 50-year-old, whose Real Betis team were famed for their high-intensity football, believes supporters will spot an immediate difference in the side.
"It's still very soon, but it is something that will be noticeable," said Mel. "Previously very good work has been done here so it's not a case of doing a better job or worse job, it's about doing a different job.
"There have been some very tough sessions so far but the players are working hard to attempt to change their playing style. The most important thing is that they want to compete and work at high intensity. In any sort of job the most important thing is wanting to be the best.
"Everton are a very good team with a good coach but West Brom need to win and at home we must be favourites.
"The most important thing is West Brom are working and doing things to make sure we meet our objectives. It's all about the players having the desire to want to take these messages on board and they have been very receptive. Football is all about attitude and from what I've seen up to now, West Bromwich Albion have the players to achieve what we want to achieve.
"It's not an easy game against Everton but I'm sure the players will have the supporters leaving the stadium feeling proud of their team."
Mel will lock horns tonight with fellow Spaniard Roberto Martinez, who has made an impressive start at Goodison Park. He said: "I met him this summer when we played a game against Everton with Betis. I know him well. We're friends, and his technical team are also friends. Roberto started at the bottom here in England, and it's admirable he is now with a big team."
