Wolves competed well in the first half on Wednesday night, but as Liverpool upped the intensity after the break, they punished the old gold for their lack of opportunities created. The head coach could spot key areas of his side’s game which cost them but knew bad days would come at moments during his tenure and has called for balanced heads before a quick return to action on Saturday.
On differing performances in each half
“We didn’t develop the plan we had in our heads. In the first half we were better, but we need to make do in the offensive phase. In the second half they pushed a lot, we couldn’t keep the rhythm they proposed, and they won very clearly.
“We weren’t able to come to the space, we didn’t find the moment to match them. They were very aggressive with the ball, they pressed very good, we knew this, but I think the first half we had moments to the press. In the second half no. After, they had big chances and scored, and it was more difficult for us.”
On trying to stick to the plan
“We didn’t play the gameplan we had in our heads. Maybe in the first half we developed better, but in the second half we were not able to have the ball. We didn’t keep the ball, we lost it very fast, and here in Anfield you are closer to losing and it happened. It was a pity.
“In the second half we put more pace up front with Adama [Traore] but when you don’t have the ball, you don’t have the possibility to match them with faster players. In the end, the difficult thing was to keep the ball.”
On a lack of chances
“We were not able to overcome the press and after, when you have these kinds of matches, it’s very important to keep the ball, to be able to make the pitch big, be calm, don’t give the ball to the opponent.
“Maybe in the first half we did this, and we had more possibilities to match them. The second half we didn’t have the ball and it’s more difficult when you don’t have the ball. Today it’s not easy for me to keep positive things.”
On responding to his methods
“They are working very hard. Matches are different. Ask me about the match of today, of course we can do better and have to do better to achieve our aim for sure. But when we’ve won, I said it was going to be a long and hard race.
“We have to be ready for bad moments like today and in the good moments be balanced and continue to work. In three days we have an important and hard match and we have to put the focus on the next match.”
