'No Pep Guardiola' - Tony Mowbray's verdict on West Brom boss' management style
Title-winning former Baggies boss Tony Mowbray has revealed his thoughts behind the success to James Morrison’s start to life as a head coach.
Albion hero Tony Mowbray believes it is the humility shown by his prodigy James Morrison that is behind a sparkling start to management.
Morrison got one over one of his main influences in the game as Albion fought from 2-0 down to beat Mowbray’s Blackburn in the final minute in a thriller at The Hawthorns on Saturday.
It was an unusual experience as the pair went head-to-head in the dugouts at the ground Mowbray brought Morrison to 19 years ago, and the latter has stayed ever since.
Mowbray said his former midfielder does not see himself as a master tactician like legendary former Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola - but more as a top manager of people.
“I think James has got those human qualities that'll help him in his managerial career,” Mowbray told the Express & Star.
Sign up to our free newsletter here.
“Whether he's tough enough when the tough times come, let's wait and see. He doesn't seem to have had many tough times at the moment.
“I believe (he’s got the results he has) because of his human qualities. He probably would say he doesn't see himself as Pep Guardiola. He's not coming up with all these amazing ideas how to win football matches. He knows what he likes and he treats the players humanely, properly.
“I’m sure he doesn't tell you guys every week that his tactics were brilliant and he won the game and no-one else could do it.
“I think he's treating his players well and talking them up. I'm really pleased for him.”
Consecutive comeback victories and a sixth win in 11 has the Baggies fifth in the Championship and three points off top spot.

Mowbray said: “James is very young in his managerial career. What I do know is he's a very humble guy, and I think humility is really important in football management.
“I think there are a lot of football managers who think they've got the answer and know the key to the door, like ‘my tactics are going to win loads of games.’
“The reality in football, in my mind, is you've got a group of players who have to run through a brick wall for you because you treat them properly, you look after them.
“They know when you have to be hard and tell them what you think, but they also know that you're on their side. You want them to be good players. You want them to get better. You want the team to be stronger.”
Comment Guidelines
Iconic Media encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.
