Under-pressure West Brom boss Valerien Ismael says he is his own biggest critic

West Brom boss Valerien Ismael insisted he has no intention of succumbing to pressure after Millwall downed his side 2-0 at The Den.

Mason Bennett broke the deadlock in the second half before Benik Afobe doubled the Lions’ lead, and a strong performance by Bartosz Bialkowski in goal secured a well-deserved three points.

It was another blow to the struggling Baggies, who have now won just one of their last seven matches – calling the Frenchman’s future into question.

“It is, for us, very, very painful,” said Ismael, who watched disgruntled Baggies supporters throw a flare onto the pitch in the closing exchanges.

“If you don’t win games you are getting in trouble.

“If you are not able to accept that as a manager, then you are wrong for the job. I didn’t perform like I expected.

“I know myself, I am my biggest critic. A lot of things you can’t explain throughout the season – injuries. It’s not an excuse but you have to get the result. If you get the result, you get time, confidence, and belief. If not, you get in trouble.

“It does not mean I run away from anything. I take my responsibility, and the next responsibility is to prepare for the next game.”

Ex-England striker Andy Carroll, previously on the books at Reading, made his debut for the visitors after completing a free transfer to the Baggies on Friday.

In the fifth minute, Carroll nearly made his mark with a powerful strike on target from 12 yards out, but Bialkowski pushed the chance away with a reflex goal-line save.

Millwall started the second half on the front foot, with Afobe unable to keep down his shot in the 18-yard box before Oliver Burke mishit his second attempt when one-on-one with David Button.

West Brom’s Callum Robinson made an immediate impression from