Slaven Bilic: West Brom must 'forget' Wigan defeat
Slaven Bilic has told Albion's players not to dwell on their loss to Wigan – with the boss insisting his squad report for training with smiles on their faces.
A goal from Wolverhampton-born Sam Morsy was enough for the Latics to stun Bilic's side and clinch the points at The Hawthorns on Saturday.
Albion entered the game on the back of a string of excellent performances. But they looked flat from the off against Paul Cook's side in what was their seventh outing of the month.
Nevertheless, the Baggies remain top of the Championship with 10 games remaining. And Bilic says there is no need for his players to start doubting themselves.
"We haven't had many off days," the head coach said.
"I told that to the guys after, you can imagine the dressing room was very flat and silent.
"But I told them there is no time to be down or to be doubting yourself. No, no, no.
"I want to see happy faces on the training ground and everyone determined to do what we have to do.
"We can’t say ‘okay’, of course not - it was a great opportunity.
"But forget it, bounce back. Don’t doubt anything.
"In the coming weeks, we have to show quality, energy, character. We have to.
"We would have had to have done that even if we had won the game. But now we have to do it even more to make sure we get back on the winning track."
Albion return to action when they host Newcastle in the FA Cup tomorrow.
For the first time in the competition's history, all fifth round ties are being played midweek and will be decided on the night with extra time and penalties taking place if necessary.
But while Bilic is keen to progress to the quarter-finals, he says Saturday's clash at Swansea is the bigger game.
"Yes - you’re talking now about the FA Cup, which is a massive game for the club, for us," Bilic said when asked if his team needs to bounce back from their loss to Wigan straight away.
"When I talk about bouncing back, we need to bounce back against Swansea. This is the big game. Newcastle is the bonus game."
