West Brom Coach Corberan Calls Christmas Fixture Schedule ‘Madness’

Carlos Corberan, head coach for West Bromwich Albion, who is experiencing his eighth Christmas within English football, has joined others in questioning the fairness of the English football Christmas fixture calendar. Despite his team securing a comfortable 2-0 victory against Bristol City, following a loss to Watford the preceding Sunday, Corberan expressed dissatisfaction that Albion’s upcoming opponent, Derby County, scheduled for Boxing Day at 17:30 GMT, will benefit from two additional days of recovery. The Baggies’ comfortable Sunday victory against Bristol City marked the start of a demanding schedule of five matches within 14 days, concluding on January 4th. Corberan expressed significant bewilderment over his team’s requirement to play again with nearly 48 hours less preparation time compared to the Rams, who suffered a defeat from two late Luton Town goals at Kenilworth Road on Friday evening. “Bristol City and us are the teams who suffer in this period,” said Corberan. “Teams like Derby are going to play four games in a row – we are going to play five. They have a week for the Thursday game, while we only played on Sunday.” He continued, “It is a physical disadvantage. It is madness. Playing against a team at this time of the season who have had two days’ more recovery is unfair. We cannot say we aren’t going for results. It’s my responsibility but it’s too much.” Corberan further remarked, “Five games in a row. We shouldn’t have played on Sunday, knowing the games coming. We should have played Saturday, like the other Championship teams. We have only three days in between and it will be difficult from the physical perspective.” The match was rescheduled to Sunday to accommodate its broadcast on one of Sky’s football channels. While Bristol City will play their subsequent two matches at home, Albion faces two consecutive away fixtures, including the upcoming teatime visit to Derby, followed by a trip to play current leaders Sheffield United. Both of these matches will be broadcast live on BBC Radio WM, featuring commentary by Steve Hermon and Albion legend Tony ‘Bomber’ Brown. Additionally, a special program is scheduled for Friday, December 27th, at 18:00 GMT, which will feature highlights from earlier season discussions held in the BBC Radio WM studio with Albion head coach Corberan, Birmingham City boss Chris Davies, and Walsall’s Mat Sadler. BBC Radio WM will also present a West Midlands football 2024 Year in Review program, airing on Saturday, December 28th, at 17:00 GMT, with a repeat broadcast on New Year’s Eve (Tuesday) at 18:00 GMT.