Express & Star

Sam Johnstone loving life at West Brom under Slaven Bilic

Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone says Albion are brimming with confidence – because of head coach Slaven Bilic.

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Sam Johnstone (AMA)

The Baggies travel to take on Middlesbrough on Saturday sitting top of the Championship having won six of their opening 11 league games.

But while fans are pleased with results, they are arguably more happy with Albion’s style of play – with Bilic’s side having played some breathtaking football at times.

And Johnstone says that stems from the manager installing confidence into every single one of his players.

“I think I speak for all the players when I say Slaven gives us so much confidence,” Johnstone said. “Everyone loves coming into training every day because we all enjoy working under a manager who believes in us and gives us the confidence to go out and perform at our best.

“He has a really clear way of speaking to all the players.

“You can tell that when he is trying to give us a message or an instruction in training or before games, he has the full attention of absolutely everyone in the room.

“He trusts you with everything. To give 100 per cent effort in training and games and to also look after yourself properly away from football.

“All the lads are buying into what he is trying to do here and that’s definitely helping us on the pitch.”

Following a lengthy hunt for a new boss, Bilic was confirmed as Albion’s new head coach in June.

But while he has only been at The Hawthorns for a few months, Johnstone says the 51-year-old has quickly earned the respect of everyone at the club.

“He has the complete respect of all the players and staff,” Johnstone added. “He’s a great manager to work under and I think that’s showing in the start to the season we have had here. We’ve had some really, really good performances and the results are coming as well. Hopefully, that continues and we keep winning games.”