Championship - Koren wants West Brom exit

PA Sport - Tue, 03 Nov 12:27:00 2009

West Brom midfielder Robert Koren has cast doubt over his long-term future at the club after he claimed he has asked for a January transfer.

FOOTBALL Robert Koren, Slovenia - 0

The 29-year-old is in his fourth season at The Hawthorns but is unhappy at his lack of regular football in his preferred central midfield role.

The Slovenia captain has made only one Championship start in the heart of the midfield this season and has fallen behind Youssouf Mulumbu and Graham Dorrans in manager Roberto Di Matteo's team selections.

"I have never really had a chance in the centre of midfield, but always in a wide position," the 29-year-old is quoted as saying in the Birmingham Mail.

"I have spoken to the head coach about this because I feel I am not playing in my best position, where I have played so many times for West Brom.

"This has been the case since the arrival of new head coach. Even in friendly matches, I never got the opportunity in the middle.

"I spoke to the coach about this and he sees me more in a wing position. I don't hold any grudges about that but we don't agree.

"I can play in the wing position from time to time, but I see myself as central midfielder.

"Since the coach does not agree with this I have no other option than to seek a new club in January.

"I have already talked to the club about this. I would also consider going on loan - but I do plan to leave in January.

"I want to play more and I'm not satisfied with my status. The coach has a different opinion - so I have no choice other than leaving'"

PA Sport

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  1. oh no not my favourite baggie

    From detrich, on Wed 4 Nov 12:44PM

  2. I don't want to see Koren go. One of the problems­ we have is too many midfielders. Mulumbu has­ improved
    the defensive midfield. I like Koren, Tex,­ Dorrans and Mulumbu, but they can't all play. So­ who will move on ?

    From Anthony, on Wed 4 Nov 10:15AM

  3. I also agree. I believe that RDM is tactically naive to­ be honest,but Koren must get his head down and give­ 100% when he does play as he is a great asset when his­ head is right. The only other way i can see him play is­ to change from 4-4-2 to maybe a 4-1-3-2 then play him­ as the sitter in front of the back four,but then that­ depends how much RDM rates him. I think our biggest­ problem is up front,i know we have had some good­ results but i think we should go for a 20 goal a season­ striker in January,as we need one,and maybe another­ defender.We'll see how generous Peace is when the­ window reopens. Boing Boing

    From BOB S, on Tue 3 Nov 6:13PM

  4. To be fair Koren does have a valid point, every time he­ is played out `wide`he becomes obselete,and when you­ think he has given us some very good games and also­ some vital and outstanding goals,we nicknamed him 3­ lungs due to his work rate,its fair to say that RDM­ dosent fancy him,but the signs are there for all to­ see,he just dont look right,he is not the happy smiley­ chappie in blue and white we all know....how about­ getting rid of Brunt coz there is no passion from­ him....Robert should get his head down and force his­ way back just look at Texiera he did and how.....dont­ go Robo

    From KENNETH K, on Tue 3 Nov 1:50PM
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