The Blades regularly start well at Bramall Lane but were given no opportunity to do so on the opening day by Wolves, who wrapped up victory with a quickfire double. Raul Jimenez and Romain Saiss hit the hammer blows in South Yorkshire and, from thereafter, the visitors remained resolute and gave their hosts few opportunities to get back in the game, returning to the West Midlands with three well-deserved points.
On a fast start
“We knew. It’s clear that Sheffield United would start fast and the message was let’s start faster than them. We saw our energy, what we have, and we dealt with it.
“The ideal was clear to start fast. We were effective, the first two times we arrived at their box, we scored, and that makes a lot of difference.”
On the pleasing factors
“The hard work of the boys. It’s the first official match we’ve had, and everyone was waiting for the response of the players and that’s what pleased me most – the way they worked for the ball.
“Tough moments, here it’s always hard. Sheffield United are a fantastic team, they nailed us in the box, created a lot of problems, but we stayed in the game, so I’m happy for it.”
On Jimenez’s performance
“He played good. We know Raul, besides his talent, the way he works for the team is amazing. He gives lines of pass, is always fighting and, with a limited pre-season, he prepared himself very well during training sessions.
“We were fortunate to have Daniel and Raul together and that allowed us to create some complexities, facing this match.
“The credit, you know me, is for everybody. Everyone worked hard. Of course, individuals sometimes make a difference. Raul made the difference because of his talent.”
#RJ9 🎯🔥pic.twitter.com/d4MitRpsmA
— Wolves (@Wolves) September 14, 2020
On a lack of pre-season
“[It’s credit] to the players because they are the ones that prepared themselves well. Those that stayed here during the holidays, with a responsibility to stay fit, and some with the national teams, then presented and worked hard today. We played very good.”
On his team’s discipline after the break
“Very important. The amount of times we allowed them crosses, when we were really close to their players, was basic. Credit to the players, credit to all the team.”
On possible upcoming transfers
“We’re still working. The squad is not complete yet, we need to balance better the squad and we will do. As a club we are working, because until the transfer market isn’t open, anything can happen.”
