Joao Gomes hopes Wolves' improved Premier League position will allow them to enjoy their football further, ahead of a trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
The Brazilian, who played his part in three consecutive Molineux victories, has settled nicely into Premier League life, providing energy and endeavour to the old gold midfield. This weekend Wolves head to the south coast and it was in that area of the world where Gomes enjoyed a goal scoring debut to remember at Southampton and is looking for more memorable days on the road, starting at the Seagulls.
On aiming to enjoy the trip to Brighton
“That is our goal because we aren’t in the same position as before so now that we’re no longer towards the bottom of the table, we’re a little bit more relaxed. I think that with these 37 points, we’ll play well, and we’ll be able to really show how we play, feeling safer.
“We had a meeting with Lopetegui and he said that our main objective was to stay in the Premier League and that was clear to all of us. But as we grow, our ambitions and aim higher, we can then see that there is a real chance for us to get further up the table.”
On the work Lopetegui is doing
“He has mostly changed the way we play by having more possession. When we play at home, we now put more pressure on our opponents and don’t just hide away from a challenge. I think this is one of the main things he brought, searching for the ball more and putting pressure on our opponents.”
On enjoying life at Molineux
“It has always been a dream and a wish come true to play in the Premier League but the people who have welcomed me here made all the difference. Matheus Cunha, Diego Costa, Matheus Nunes and Toti have given all the support I needed.
“There have been times when Cunha rang me to hang out at his place because I was on my own, so I definitely think they have helped with my adaptation and to perform better. I need to work harder and harder to help Wolves to become a threat.”
On his signing process
“I was torn between Wolverhampton and another offer I had on the table. The campaign was one of the things that made me stop and reflect on what to do. The campaign really weighed my final decision and both here and everyone have supported me and offered all the love I needed for me to come and play to the best of my ability which is what really matters.”
It looks like a dream
— João Gomes (@GomesOficial08) February 11, 2023
Debut with the @wolves at @premierleague with the winning goal. Only God knows how many times I asked to live this moment. Thanks to everyone who believed in me. GLORY TO GOD. pic.twitter.com/mfcfN4Hxxy
On his dream debut at Saints
“I always dreamt about that moment. One day before the game, I dreamt that I would score but not in the circumstances we were playing: with one less player on the pitch and one goal behind. It was a really special night for several reasons but mainly due to the three points we needed because we were playing against Southampton, one of our big opponents, so it was beyond important to score and to win.”
