Wolves under-18 assistant manager, James McPike, was proud of the side’s efforts in rescuing a point a late on at home against Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon.
Minkyu Ji and Jashayde Greenwood got the goals for the academy side, but McPike believes the team potentially should have achieved more from their U18 Premier League fixture at Compton Park.
On taking a point from Boro
“I thought the boys were really good today, they worked extremely hard, they were brave in trying to the ball and get through and they probably deserved a little bit more than they got in the end.”
On goals coming from quick transitions
“We try and have a real focus on counter-pressing and being really on the front foot in those types of situations and I thought the boys did that brilliantly.
“Today, it led to more chances and possession of the ball as well.”
On having competition for places
“It’s an opportunity, and that’s the game ultimately. They have to got to give it everything that they possibly can to get into the team.
“And when they do get their opportunity, they have to try and stay in the team, so they all have that chance at the moment to stake their claim.”
On conceding preventable goals
“You are always looking to improve in every part of the game, but I think we could have dealt with it initially a bit better in those wider areas.
“But the boys were really good today and were really diligent with their work out of possession, which did get them back in the game.”
On improving throughout the season
“Yeah they definitely are, we’re massively proud of them today and in the past few weeks collectively as a staff.
“All their defensive work, their bravery on the ball, today with the chances that they created, we had long, sustained spells of possession so they are definitely going in the right direction.”
The under-18s travel to Derby next weekend in their next U18 Premier League fixture.
By Rivaan Athwal
