West Bromwich Albion

Tony Pulis: 'I have tremendous respect for Saido Berahino'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 11 January 2016

West Brom manager Tony Pulis insists that his "tremendous respect" for Saido Berahino has never wavered despite starting the striker on the bench for 10 straight games.

West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis has insisted that his respect for Saido Berahino has never wavered despite the striker enduring a difficult season.

The 22-year-old was upset by West Brom's decision to reject bids from Tottenham Hotspur during the summer transfer window and has since fallen down the pecking order at The Hawthorns, starting the last 10 matches on the bench.

However, he came on as a sub and scored during West Brom's FA Cup draw with Bristol City at the weekend before proceeding to shake Pulis's hand during his celebration.

"Has it ever been anything but well? I have no problems with Saido, I have said that all along. At times he is misguided in the way he has acted around the club," Pulis told reporters.

"He has never held a grudge against me. I have certainly got tremendous respect for him. I do care for him and worry about him at times because he is still a young lad and he can be very immature but that is the process of growing up.

"Saido took a turn for the worst, we have to deal with it, have to work with him and make sure we get him through it."

Berahino is in contention to make his first start since October when the Baggies take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.