The duo combined for a Premier League high tenth time on Wednesday night and that moment of quality was enough to earn a second successive three points. Like against West Ham United on Saturday, Traore set up Jimenez to break down stubborn opposition and, from there, Wolves held firm, keeping yet another clean sheet and continuing their impressive start to life back in the Premier League.
On Jimenez and Traore linking up once again
“Combinations in a team are very important. They are understanding well. Diogo also has his combinations when he plays in a front two. It’s about building and creating solutions because what’s in front of us will require many solutions – it’s going to be very hard.
“Eventually, the combination worked out with Adama and Raul. When we are in the match, let’s try to find solutions, today it was this one, the previous game also, but we have to find another one, so we have to work very hard.”
On improving after the break
“In the first-half I think for both teams it was tough. I didn’t understand why, but both teams were not able to play. The defensive organisation was very tight, the spaces were not there. For both teams it was not a very good first-half.
“The second-half was much better. We started on the front foot immediately, we created a couple of situations and chances and, eventually, we deserved it. I’m happy for the clean sheet because defensively we were very good.”
On the impact of substitutes
“In this moment, what the team needs is help, the players that come and have an impact and help the team in terms of work. As you see, it’s very hot and very difficult to play football.”
On the problems Bournemouth posed
“It was very difficult. They are a very good team, Eddie knows how to play football, so it was tough. Bournemouth are a very good team in possession of the ball. They put us really deep on the pitch, so it was about being tight and compact and staying in the game.
“At the end of the game they caused a lot of problems to recover it, and we had a couple of chances, but I’m very happy because the boys worked very hard and another clean sheet is important for us.”
On his summary after two games
“I’m happy because it was a long period without activity. We are still in the middle of a pandemic, we have to be careful. It’s very difficult to follow the protocols and at the same time we able to work in a proper way to prepare for matches, but let’s be humble and keep on going.”
