Valerien Ismael’s future at West Brom in ‘serious jeopardy’

The Baggies’ head coach is taking a break from the team by taking a trip to Germany, amid uncertainty over his long-term viability for the role. 

According to the Express & Star, the club’s hierarchy are weighing up their options, with Ismael’s position considered to be in serious jeopardy. 

West Brom are not in action this weekend, which gives the board some time to make a decision on the matter. 

Ismael’s wife and daughters live in Germany and it is understood he often takes a trip to visit his family. It was reported that Ismael got straight onto a flight immediately following their last game against Millwall.

West Brom’s form has plummeted in recent weeks, with last weekend’s defeat to Gary Rowett’s side the latest in a string of poor results. 

Ismael’s side have won one league game in their last seven. That sole victory was a late 3-0 rout of Peterborough United, who are fighting relegation to League One. 

Otherwise, West Brom have lost to the likes of Millwall, Preston North End, Derby County and, most damningly, play-off rivals Queens Park Rangers. 

Draws with Barnsley and Cardiff City, both fighting for survival in the division, have added further pressure. 

West Brom are still fifth in the table despite the recent poor run of form. The gap to the front two is eight points, which can still be overturned.

However, falling out with the likes of Sam Johnstone hasn’t helped Ismael’s cause either.

Football management is extremely volatile and doesn’t care for anything other than recent results and Ismael’s led a horrible run.

The 46-year old only joined the club in the Summer, having led Barnsley to a play-off berth the previous campaign. 

This is also the first real dip in form during his time at the club, so he