Express & Star

Saido Berahino weighed down by pressure, says West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis

Published
Last updated

There's still more to come from Saido Berahino according to Albion boss Tony Pulis, who says his star striker is carrying a bit of weight.

more

Three goals from the forward in four games have won Albion six points in the process and put Berahino's antics in the summer firmly to the back of the mind.

But Pulis reckons his 22-year-old goalscorer is still feeling the impact of that period.

"Mentally and physically it had an effect on Saido," said Pulis.

[comments_cta header="What do you think?" text="What did you think of Berahino's actions in the summer? Are you happy with his performance so far this season?" button="Log in and leave your thoughts below"]

"He's still not as fit as he was last year. He's still carrying a bit of weight and we have to work out how to get that off him but he's certainly made a difference with his goals."

When asked why Berahino, who's made seven appearances this season, wasn't yet fully fit, Pulis answered: "The fact that he wasn't playing and the fact that he was in limbo for quite a few weeks.

[related_posts title="More on Berahino"]

"But he's got his head down the last couple of weeks and we've got him back on board.

"He's still not as sharp as he was last year. In the last couple of months of last season I thought Saido was excellent.

"We haven't got him back to that yet so there's still more to come."

With the European Championships looming at the end of the season, there's the possibility that a campaign among the goals could earn the Burundi-born marksman a place at a major tournament.

"The most important thing for him is to concentrate on his football and on getting to a level that will get Roy interested," said Pulis.

"That doesn't just happen. You have to work and you have to prove and keep proving that you're there."

Pulis handled Berahino's transfer saga with the right mixture of carrot and stick, but there's no doubt he realises the importance of keeping such a potent striker on side.

"I've met him away from the ground and I've done all sorts of things to get him back to what he was, that's part of management," said the Welshman.