West Brom: Jonas Olsson is happy to stay at Hawthorns

Mar 28 2009 by Robert Tanner, Birmingham Mail

Jonas Olsson

THE vultures will be circling over The Hawthorns if relegation is confirmed and Albion defender Jonas Olsson is sure to be among the targets after a promising first season in the Premier League.

The Swedish centre-back has been Albion’s best defender this season and his growing importance was proven when his recent absence coincided with a dramatic dip in the club’s defensive form.

Since his return from a knee injury, the Baggies have remained unbeaten and conceded just one goal and boss Tony Mowbray will be keen to keep his defensive rock.

Chairman Jeremy Peace has already stated that there will be no fire sale, should the club slip back into the Championship. The financial plan means there will be no need to sell star players.

However, it will be reassuring for Mowbray and Peace to hear that Olsson is happy at Albion, although he admitted that he hasn’t thought further ahead than the final eight games of the season.

“It has always been a thing in my career that I don’t look too far ahead because I don’t think you can as a footballer,” he said. “You need to focus on the present. I know that is a cliché but it is true.

“I try not to think too far ahead and I genuinely believe we are going to stay up. I feel very happy in the team. I like West Brom as a club and all the players work hard.”

Olsson said he felt at home in the Albion squad and revealed he was warmly welcomed back into the fray after his injury. “The players welcomed me back and I appreciated it,” he said.