West Ham manager Slaven Bilic praises West Brom boss Tony Pulis
Saturday 28 November 2015 14:05, UK
Slaven Bilic has described Tony Pulis as 'a great coach' ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash between West Ham United and West Brom at Upton Park.
The Hammers manager says his Baggies counterpart is often chastised for merely being honest about his team's style of play.
Bilic said: "Tony gets criticised for his brand of football but he doesn't hide it like others.
"There are a lot of clubs playing exactly the same way in many parts of the game. In England, they all sit back when opponents have a direct attacking style.
"He is a great coach and a very honest man. He is very passionate and understands football in many different leagues across Europe.
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"I respect him also because he never tells lies, even though you can bend the truth in football when the result allows you to.
"He is pragmatic. He uses what he has to, to achieve reasonable objectives. When critics put a label on you, it sticks - even if your teams are not like that week in, week out."
As for Albion's style of play, the Croatian added: "I watched them against Everton in September when they lost 3-2 at home.
"They were leading 2-0 and scored the second goal after 54 minutes.
"They played good football which was enjoyable to watch. They weren't two-up because of set-pieces alone or negative tactics.
"Of course, Pulis' teams are very well organised and every team in the Premier League has quality now.
"They have Saido Berahino, Salomon Rondon, Rickie Lambert and Stephane Sessegnon - all players who give them pace, goals and a physical presence."
Watch West Ham v West Brom live on Sky Sports 1HD from 1pm on Sunday.
