Filip Krovinović has hailed the trusting and motivational relationship he has with Baggies boss Slaven Bilić.
Slaven snapped up the creative Croatian playmaker for a second consecutive season-long loan after impressing in Albion’s promotion-winning Sky Bet Championship campaign last year.
Krovinović insists the faith Bilić has shown in him as an individual triggers a desire to deliver performances worthy of the gaffer’s belief in his ability.
And Filip feels having a positive relationship with the head coach has been crucial to his development as a player.
He said: “Slaven has helped me a lot.
“My first year at Albion was like my first year of football after a big injury, so it was a nice season and I learned a lot from him.
“He was always pushing me, believing in me. I gave him back all the trust he gave to me, and we continued that relationship during the holidays, during the season, now again this season.
“He’s a very humble person, a good guy and a good manager. It’s very important.
“Before my first year here I had a few conversations with him. He was interested in bringing me to Saudi Arabia. I wanted to go because it would have only been a short loan but it didn’t materialise.
“From that day we kept in contact.
“It’s always good to have a relationship with the manager like that, especially if you can give that back on the pitch.
“I feel like I have improved a lot under Slaven and the coaching team here.
“If you’re not improving every year, then it makes no sense to be a football player. Defensively, offensively, like everyone - with Dean (Racunica), Danilo (Butorovic) and Dicksy (Julian Dicks) - you learn something different. It’s great.
“I want to keep impressing and keep repaying his faith in me.”
