West Bromwich Albion fans affectionately call him “King Carlos”, and as the Championship playoffs loom, Carlos Corberán remains their most potent weapon in the quest for promotion.

Corberán, known for his meticulous tactical approach, has quietly orchestrated one of the most underrated campaigns outside the Premier League this season, despite significant turmoil off the field.

While the nominees for Championship manager of the season did not include Corberán, his achievements merit closer examination. He successfully navigated West Brom through turbulent ownership transitions and financial constraints, ensuring that off-field distractions did not affect the team’s focus.

Despite limited financial resources and a squad largely composed of retained Premier League earners, Corberán maximized player performance, employing a high-intensity, out-running style reminiscent of his mentor, Marcelo Bielsa.

Corberán’s astute handling of transfers further underscores his managerial prowess. Despite not spending a penny on transfers since his appointment in October 2022, he unearthed gems like Mikey Johnston, revitalizing the winger’s career on loan from Celtic.

Corberán’s meticulous coaching methods demand total player engagement, with lengthy training sessions, frequent meetings, and individual debriefs before matches. His deep commitment to West Brom is evident, with his family settling in Birmingham and his desire to avoid turning media attention into a mere ‘CV piece’.

As the playoffs approach, Corberán draws on his experience with Huddersfield, albeit with painful memories of a Wembley final defeat in 2022. Nevertheless, with Corberán at the helm, West Brom fans harbor hope for a triumphant return to the Premier League, envisioning a joyous coronation for their beloved manager at Wembley on May 26th.

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