With 25,367 spectators crammed into The Hawthorns, the Spanish head coach acknowledged that the atmosphere there was the best he had encountered in his eight years as a manager. The team coach was welcomed by hundreds of boisterous and jubilant Albion supporters prior to the game, which was a wonderful surprise for him, the rest of his coaching staff, and the players.
The incredible loudness served as a reminder to the team that they need to give it their all on the pitch even if West Brom was unable to capitalize on their home crowd to take the lead in the two-leg match. Although a goalless aggregate before the second match isn’t ideal because home advantage would be shared, it’s still preferable to a deficit.
The result also symbolises progress as the Baggies lost both of their previous meetings against Southampton this season, 2-0 at home and 2-1 away. Corberan believes his players couldn’t have performed as well as they did without the unwavering support.
“It is the best one I’ve had in my career, without any type of doubt,” Corberan said in the post-match press conference.
“The reception was outstanding and the support in every single second of the game, they stuck to support the team. They were supporting and backing us all 99 minutes.”
The arrival at the stadium was a particularly moving moment, especially as it came as a surprise. There are often a few eager supporters awaiting the coach but never hundreds, and definitely not flares painting the air in Albion colours.
“I didn’t expect any type of reception. It was an emotional moment for me and everyone, for all of us,” Corberan explained, with gratitude written across his face.
“I was enjoying a lot the atmosphere our fans created. All these things together has helped to not lose for the first time in 90 minutes against Southampton. We’ve made a positive step.”
