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Good afternoon and welcome to Molineux as we focus 100 per cent on the Premier League challenge we have ahead.
After a very busy schedule since we returned to the pitch after the World Cup, we had a period without a match last weekend, which allowed us to take a break for a few days.
This is always good for the players’ minds as they were able to rest, spend time with their families and recover from little injuries they may have picked up. But now, we are fully focused on the Premier League – which is the most important competition for us, and for all of the teams in England – and today’s match against Liverpool.
We have played two different matches against them in recent weeks, both in the FA Cup, and they were two good matches when talking about football. It was a pity for us to have drawn the first game and, of course, we tried to have a different score, so now we are going to go with our energy, our vision and we look forward to welcoming Jurgen Klopp, his players, staff and supporters from a very big team in Liverpool back to Molineux once again.
But in the same way as us, they are a team who are now out of the FA Cup and the Carabao too, and they are also going to put all their focus into the league, so we have to be ready.
Each match is different, and we expect a different match from the last time we met, but Liverpool will want to play in the same way. They are always looking positively for a goal, as we do too.
I think we’re going to have a match where both teams want to be the main actor and both teams want to have the initiative, but we are going to be ready to overcome everything we face, which will all come down to the little details, which are key against teams like Liverpool.
In the last match against them here at Molineux, that was the case again, especially the early goal that we suffered. But we had chances to draw the match and in the second-half it was very clear that we dominated, but, unfortunately, it was not enough for us. We know we have to improve our performance if we are to get the three points which we all want this afternoon.
After the transfer window closed on Tuesday, our squad is now complete for the remainder of the season, and all the new players who have come in are here to improve us.
However, we need to be patient as it’s different to come here when you know the Premier League and have played here before, compared to when you come here for the first time. The moment in the season is also different from player to player, as some of them have arrived when they were on holidays in their country, while others have come here straight from playing with their former teams, so it’s important we get this balance right and take the right decision with them.
I believe the squad is more balanced now, in relation to the numbers of the players and the positions we have filled, so we are ready for what is in front of us – a very big challenge, but at the same time, a very enjoyable challenge which is playing matches in the Premier League.
Thank you for your support and enjoy the game,
Julen.
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Supporters can find the head coach's notes, as well as a host of bespoke content for the visit of Liverpool, in the latest matchday programme, which is available to purchase here for just £4.
