Rumours continue over the prospect of West Brom manager Carlos Corberan replacing Southampton boss Russell Martin as pundit Carlton Palmer finds it disrespectful to the Saints boss.
The Saints admire Corberan’s possession-based style of play, similar to that of Martin’s.
The Premier League side are monitoring developments, with Leeds also reportedly interested after Daniel Farke’s under par start to the season, as the Baggies boss has made a brilliant start this campaign.
| The 2024/25 Championship table so far this season per FotMob | |
|---|---|
| 1. West Brom | 16 |
| 2. Sunderland | 15 |
| 3. Burnley | 13 |
| 4. Blackburn Rovers | 12 |
| 5. Sheffield United | 12 |
| 6. Leeds United | 11 |
Corberan has made an almost perfect start and West Brom will be hoping to retain the Spaniard in the hopes of a potential return to the Premier League after four seasons away.
There will be concerns around the Hawthorns with both Southampton and Leeds sniffing around, and Corberan is reported to have a £2 million release clause, which will add to Baggies fans’ worries.
“It is disrespectful” – Pundit rubbishes claims over Saints pursuit of Corberan
Speaking exclusively with FLW, former Leeds midfielder Carlton Palmer has found the rumours ill-mannered and believes Corberan should stick out his job with the Baggies and Martin deserves a lot more time.
“First and foremost, I think it is a bit disrespectful that these kinds of comments are coming out. Carlos Corberan is doing fantastically well. Five wins, one draw and sat top of the Championship.
“It’s come out that he’s got a £2 million get-out clause, and it continues his good track record. He took Huddersfield to the play-off final in 2022, losing to Nottingham Forest.
“Last season he took West Brom to the play-offs, and now he’s started fantastically well. I think it’s unfair for Russell Martin, who’s done a brilliant job in getting Southampton promoted. Whatever happens, he should have the season.
“The following season, if they go down, he should have the chance to bring them back up. It’s very difficult when you get promoted. If you look at the sides that were promoted from the Championship, there isn’t much in them. Only two points seperate them all.
“You’ve got to keep your patience, and you’ve got to keep your nerve, trust your manager. There is every chance that Southampton could stay up this season.
“It’s obviously coming from the media and not the Saints’ hierarchy, and there’s no guarantee that Corberan would be able to replicate what he’s doing in the Championship.
“You look at Maresca, who’s doing well at Chelsea, but he’s got an abundance of talent there, if you’re a good coach, and you have great players – good things will come.
“Southampton need to be patient. If the club come out and make a statement defending Martin, then it settles everyone down.
“Obviously there will be concern at West Brom over Corberan, with the fact he’s doing so well, and he’s only got a £2 million get-out clause.”
