Pipa, a Spanish player on season-long loan from Ludogorets, made his debut for West Brom in the team’s victory over Coventry on Monday night, following a period of being asked to be patient.
As Pipa began his first West Brom game in Monday night’s 2-0 victory over Coventry City at the CBS Arena, Carlos Corberan feels that he took “an important step.” After nearly two months at the club and just three substitute appearances, Corberan gave his compatriot his full debut.
Pipa performed admirably in place of regular right wing-back Darnell Furlong, and it was comforting to know that one of the current understudies could be called upon to perform when necessary, especially since Corberan doesn’t have an embarrassing array of senior options at his disposal due to injuries.
Pipa started ahead of Furlong because of his ability to attack teams directly and deep into their territory. Corberan confirmed that Pipa gave his manager a decision to make ahead of Hull City’s visit to The Hawthorns this weekend, and he believed that his 81-minute run-out was a step in the right direction.
“I wanted to play with the wing-backs that could be high up the pitch and feeling comfortable with the ball and to attack the sides,” Corberan said. “I am aware that Furlong plays more at ease when he is closer to the line and less elevated, as he excels at attacking both inside and outside the area.
“Pipa is a player that helps us attack the last line, staying high. We decided to play this way. Every player in the team is a useful player for us, every player is here because he has options to play. I think it has been am important step for him to play from the beginning and help the team achieve the result.”
In addition, Corberan lavished praise on centre half Cedric Kipre, who shocked everyone by playing after hobbling off in the victory over QPR less than a week earlier. At the time, Corberan acknowledged that we might not see Kipre for several months. Thankfully, the scan results showed that the issue wasn’t nearly as serious as initially thought.
“Kipre is one player in general is showing an improvement in his level of confidence and his level of what he gives us in attack too,” Corberan stated. “I was devastated to learn that the injury was serious, but it was crucial that we keep him alive. Thankfully, the scan revealed only irritation rather than an injury. He had been training for two days, so I knew he was prepared to compete.”
