Despite Wolves’ win against Crystal Palace seeing his side take a big step towards Premier League safety, Julen Lopetegui insists his players still have plenty of work to do if they want to be playing top-flight football next season.
A Joachim Andersen own goal and Ruben Neves’ late penalty secured all three points for Lopetegui’s men, and although the head coach was pleased with the win and the energy which was created by the supporters in the Molineux stands, he knows that the season is not yet over for his team and wants more points if Wolves are to achieve their aims.
On a crucial win at Molineux
“They are important points for us, for sure, but they are not definitive and we still have work to do in the future to get more points if we are to achieve our aim.
“After a defeat it’s not easy because you have frustration and a bad energy, but it’s about the next day, whether you have won or lost, to come to the training session with a big energy and thinking about the next match, and this is what we’re going to do tomorrow.
“We’re going to have to work very hard in the next matches if we want to achieve our aims. But, of course, it has been an important win for us.”
On a big support from the Wolves fans
“This energy is key for us and this intensity helps our team a lot, especially in the bad moments. But it was a fantastic atmosphere here today and I am very happy for them because they can enjoy that we have won and it’s a good thing for us.”
Three consecutive home wins!
— Wolves (@Wolves) April 25, 2023
3️⃣🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZB5aqO4a4b
On an early goal calming the players
“Maybe. Maybe when you score very soon and very quick into the game it can help, but sometimes you can think a lot about defending this goal and you forget to do a lot of different things.
“And maybe in the second-half we needed to have more control of the ball, but Crystal Palace are a very difficult team and they have won their last matches with a big superiority above their opponents, so it was a very difficult victory for us and we had to work very hard, so we are very happy.”
On two Sa saves to keep Wolves alive
Maybe they dominated us, but I don’t remember many very clear chances in the second-half.
“I remember one very clear in the first-half and our goalkeeper, Jose, has made a fantastic save for us, so we are very happy for him because today he has helped us a lot to get this victory.”
Frazer knew! 🔮
— Wolves (@Wolves) April 25, 2023
A pre-match prediction with @LeminaM_13. pic.twitter.com/5YdeRfZHtf
On Neves notching from the spot
“It’s a good thing that Ruben has come back after two matches and he has been a good thing for us too, even though we were able to win without him because he brings energy and confidence to the team. He is an important player for us.”
On Wolves’ fight for safety
“No [Wolves are not safe yet]. Undoubtedly not. We have to achieve more points and get more points if we want to achieve our aim. For sure.”
