West Brom pitch criticised as Pepe Mel admits it could harm league survival
Albion boss Pepe Mel today admitted the Hawthorns pitch could hamper his team's Premier League survival chances after Liverpool's Brendan Rodgers criticised the surface.
The Baggies, who will be without key defender Jonas Olsson through injury for Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace, claimed a useful point against the Reds yesterday.
But Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers became the second visiting manager in as many games to criticise Albion's pitch after Everton's Roberto Martinez.
And Mel admitted: "It is a problem for us because it is our home. Liverpool only play on it one time.
"But I think the club will find a solution."
Albion have no plans to re-lay the pitch during the season but believe nine days of work before the next home game against Chelsea on January 11 will improve the playing surface.
The club believes a week of heavy rain combined with under-21s and FA Youth Cup matches and first-team training sessions have taken their toll.
Rodgers said: "It's very poor. And I've been here before with different teams.
"I'm not sure if they are cutting the budget! For you and I it's a great pitch but for top players it's not."
Before Chelsea visit The Hawthorns, Albion face Saturday's potentially crucial trip to Palace with Olsson set to be sidelined with the hamstring injury that forced him off before half-time yesterday.
That means Diego Lugano is on standby to start after being axed yesterday following his horror night at Villa last Wednesday.
The Uruguay skipper performed solidly as a substitute yesterday.
Albion sit a point outside the bottom three after Victor Anichebe's goal earned them a draw against Rodgers' men.
Mel said: "I think Olsson will be out for the next game at Palace but it is possible he'll be available to play against Chelsea."
Meanwhile, the Spaniard paid tribute to compatriot Luis Aragones, the former Spain coach who died last week.
Mel, who wore a black armband in tribute yesterday, said: "It is a bad day for Spanish football because the first head coach who demanded keeping possession has died.
"It's a bad day for me and all head coaches of Spain.
"He's my old teacher, a very good person and a very good coach."
