Premier League: Saido Berahino needs mentor to help fulfill potential, says Tony Pulis
Sunday 8 February 2015 16:54, UK
Saido Berahino lacks the right influences in his life to make the best decisions for his career, according to West Brom boss Tony Pulis.
The West Brom boss was unhappy with an interview Berahino gave this week expressing his wish to move on to bigger things and the striker found himself on the bench for Sunday's Premier League clash at Burnley.
Pulis insisted that call was for football reasons, but Berahino's exile lasted just 18 minutes of the 2-2 draw after Victor Anichebe was forced off in the first half with a groin injury.
It is far from the first time Berahino has found himself the subject of unwanted headlines and there have been reports West Brom are willing to cash in on their biggest asset in the summer.
“The reason I left him on the bench today had nothing to do with what happened,” said Pulis.
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“I think young people today lack mentors. The top players at academies are really well looked after, especially from the smaller clubs irrespective of what they put in because the big clubs can take them at any time.
"Saido has come through the academy and there have been certain occasions where he has stepped out of line but because he is such a talent the club have looked after him when 30 or 40 years ago he would have got scolded and put back in your place. That’s a problem with society today. These kids have got to be shown what’s right and wrong.
“He’s (Berahino) not a bad lad. He’s a good lad and has a lot of ability and he’ll be a good player. The important thing is that he gets his head on. He needs to realise he’s a professional footballer and nothing else. God’s given him a gift and he’s got to concentrate on that and nothing else.”
Pulis hopes new signing Darren Fletcher can be a guiding hand for 21-year-old Berahino, who was called up to the full England squad earlier this season.
Fletcher arrived from Manchester United on Monday and was made captain for his first game, taking the armband from Chris Brunt.
"Brunty is happy to give Darren the captaincy and concentrate on his football," said Pulis.
"I felt Darren was what we needed in the dressing room. We needed a leader and he has been wonderful."
