Could Garcia replace Tony Pulis as West Brom’s manager?
Oscar Garcia is the latest name linked with the vacant West Bromwich Albion position.
The Daily Mail reports the Spaniard is interested in taking over from Tony Pulis at the Hawthorns, after West Brom gave the Welshman his marching orders on Monday morning.
But what do we know about the former Saint Etienne boss (apart from that)? Here are five facts to get you up to speed…
He’s ex-Barca… and spent six seasons in the Catalan giants’ first team – bar one on loan to Albacete – before further notable spells at Valencia and Espanyol. He went on to coach the youngsters at Camp Nou, following a spell working under Johan Cruyff with Catalonia’s national team.
He speaks fluent English… and has had two spells here already – one with Brighton & Hove Albion, the other with Watford, albeit brief. Brighton made the play-offs under him, while Watford were promoted eight months after his departure due to health reasons, although he cannot claim to have had too much influence.
He’s somewhat flaky… Though forced, the Watford job was one of five from which Garcia has stepped down – out of a possible six! Only at one club – Red Bull Salzburg – has the 44-year-old remained in his post for longer than a full season.
But a league winner on three occasions, nevertheless… Twice with Salzburg and once with Maccabi Tel-Aviv. Even at Saint Etienne, his win percentage was 38.46 – 8.79 per cent higher than that of Pulis at West Brom.
He once had a trial at West Ham United… back in 2002. However, Garcia, whose brothers Roger and Genis were also professionals, failed to impress and returned to Espanyol for another two campaigns.
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