Tony Pulis has defended Saido Berahino, following his actions, after the striker decided to publicly air his frustrations at the lack of a move from West Bromwich Albion to Spurs. Although he has told media Berahino must “grow up and wise up” in a frank interview about the situation.

The 22-year-old has hit a cord with Pulis who says the striker needs guidance and the Welsh manager admitted, to the Mail, his annoyance at the striker submitting a transfer request following a chat:

I spoke to Saido and told him not to get involved in anything else but football, but again – unfortunately – he didn’t listen. By handing in a transfer request, he only antagonised the whole situation.

That request upset the supporters in West Midlands, although many could see what the forward was trying to do. However, with Spurs not paying what Albion wanted on Deadline Day Berahino was still at the club he joined as a 10-year-old and angered fans with a plane selfie after tweeting he was never to play for chairman Jeremy Peace again, who Pulis told reporters had the final say on the deal with Spurs eventually offering two players and cash in the Berahino deal:

At the end there was talk of two other players being part of the deal as well but the final say went with the chairman

The players were said to be Townsend and Fazio, a duo thought to be liked by Pulis but Peace was unhappy with that deal and demanded more from the North Londoners which never arrived from Daniel Levy.

Berahino had a meeting with Peace before the third bid from Spurs and the striker brought his Mom in to also talk with the business man and Pulis says that decision did nothing to help Saido and believes the youngster will only listen to the last person to talk to him, possibly suggesting his head was turned by Spurs and poor advisor’s such as Aidy Ward, the agent of Raheem Sterling:

Saido listens to the last person who speaks to him and does things that are not reflective of him. He also brought his mum in one day to have a meeting with Jeremy and I don’t think that helped. He lacks real mentors in his life. He lost his dad very early and I believe that played a pivotal part in his behaviour.

Pulis was extremely honest in the interview and said it is also down to the academy systems to help develop players as people, guide them and use whatever tools they can to help young footballers understand the game and the world including ex-professional footballers.

The other thing Pulis highlighted was how tough it will be on Monday to get Berahino back in the squad with players already upset at the actions of their team-mate. He also mentioned his understanding of the upset fans have voiced on social media:

It will be difficult to integrate Saido into this group. His attitude will be questioned. The lads are very honest and hard working and Saido will have to show that in abundance. The supporters will also be looking for a player who wears their badge with commitment and honesty. They are extremely proud of this famous club and will want to see Saido showing the respect they deserve.

Albion have many long serving players at the club, the likes of Chris Brunt, James Morrison, Ben Foster and Gareth McAuley will be angered by the striker, they have previously shown their commitment to the club and their frustration to players that seemingly disrespect it.

Pulis is to sit down with Berahino, and his Mother, on Monday evening with the trio having dinner to talk out the issues with Albion looking to make the most of their star asset.

The former Crystal Palace manager is set to tell the Englishman, born in Burundi, he has to earn respect and and grow up:

Respect has to be earned and Saido has to learn that lesson. West Brom have nurtured Saido’s career for over a decade, the people in the club and on the terraces have supported him, and given him the platform from which he stands todayHe has to grow up and wise up to the fact that people at West Brom have supported him right from the beginning of his career.

Berahino is set to continue playing for West Brom, he knows to secure his dream move he must continue to develop and play at the top level with sights also on the European Championships as England qualified for France with a comfortable win against San Marino.