Both Dan Bentley and Mario Lemina hailed the Wolves supporters on Saturday, after Julen Lopetegui’s side signed off from Molineux with a draw against Everton.
The pair of January signings both featured – Bentley making his home debut and Lemina coming off the bench – and spoke on the pitch at full-time, as the home supporters remained in their seats to show appreciation for the work put in to secure survival.
Molineux has been a lively place since Lopetegui’s arrival, which helped Wolves to the crucial home wins to maintain the club’s Premier League status, and after the short time they’ve been at the club, Bentley and Lemina were full of appreciation for those on the terraces.
Lemina said: “They are incredible, honestly. Every game that I’ve been here at home was amazing. They really support us, they push us really, really hard every game. I’m so thankful we had these supporters, I swear, they’re amazing.”
Signing off from Molineux for 2022/23.
— Wolves (@Wolves) May 20, 2023
🇰🇷⚽️ pic.twitter.com/UYMGVwoCue
The away following gave Bentley their full backing at Manchester United, where he produced some fine saves, and having sampled the Molineux atmosphere from the side previously, Saturday’s 1-1 draw gave the 29-year-old a first taste of his new home as part of the Old Gold.
Bentley said: “They’ve been incredible with me over the last two games. I saw sitting on the bench for the last couple of months as well and you can see it, you can take in the atmosphere a little bit more, and they’ve been magnificent.
“You heard the noise, even after what was a disappointment in the end with the result [against Everton], they stayed in their numbers, and it’s only right that we showed the appreciation that we have for them, which is huge.”
Lemina has been a key cog to Lopetegui’s machine since his arrival from Nice, making 18 appearances and adding steel and energy to the midfield, and it’s a period of time the Gabon international has relished, providing him with a third taste of the Premier League.
He said: “It’s been amazing. We pushed really hard, we’ve been working so hard, and they’ve [the fans] been doing their work so hard also. I’m really happy to be here and I hope the next year’s going to be amazing.”
Bentley made his debut at Manchester United last week and followed it up with a home bow at Molineux, and having been part of the group in training since joining from Bristol City, the goalkeeper relished being able to contribute on the pitch this time.
He said: “Obviously playing at Old Trafford was fantastic, but to make your home debut is extra special. A little bit disappointed that we didn’t come away with the three points, I think we probably deserved it, but it’s one of those things in football and I’m proud of have made my home debut.”
