Pablo Sarabia is embracing the unpredictability of the Premier League after a whirlwind 12 months saw him go from Portugal to France and finally to England – as well as the recent addition of his new-born twins.
Although the Wolves winger admitted it’s taken him time to adapt to English football, Sarabia believes he is getting stronger with each game as he sets his sights on top-flight survival, with his side facing a crucial clash with Crystal Palace at Molineux this evening.
On his first four months at Molineux
“I am over the moon to be playing in the Premier League. It is really fun, it’s never a foregone conclusion as anything can happen at any given time. You can be doing well, poorly, be winning 2-0, losing and anything can happen.
“There’s always something different happening and there have been all kinds of situations going in these 10, 11 games I’ve played so I’m adapting, getting used to it and working a lot to adapt the best way I can because it is not easy.
“It’s very physical with a lot of pace, so I was not used to these kinds of games and situations but I feel as if I’m improving and working around those situations on the pitch to help my team as much as possible and I keep working towards that but first impressions so far are good.
“We’re getting points, we’re further from the bottom [of the table] which was the main objective when I first came which makes me really happy.”
On being a new father
“Well, it has been a period of a lot of changes. Well, a year of changes because I was in Portugal and, suddenly, I went to Paris and then we had the World Cup, came back, I came here [to Wolves] and then fatherhood.
“Truth be told, there have been a lot of changes but I’m delighted with all of them, truly. I am very happy to be here, to find such a welcoming club.
“I was also looking forward to working with Lopetegui again since we haven’t been at the same club for a while now and I’m thrilled with the opportunity. It’s been a lot of work but we do it with a smile on our faces.”
Very proud of my team 🫡 Another win 💪 Let’s go wolves 🐺 pic.twitter.com/fZcvjT16Nd
— Pablo Sarabia Garcia (@Pablosarabia92) April 15, 2023
On helping to turn Wolves’ form around
“Well, it is a team with young players and they were struggling to win before Christmas, to get the points needed. A few mistakes were made and the arrival of experienced people has been a plus because when it comes to playing certain matches, to analyse those tricky situations, you need to keep your cool.
“I would have loved to have this experience when I was younger but when I played for Getafe, for example, I faced similar situations and whilst some situations worried some players, others who had more experience kept their cool so I think that if this is the role I have to take on, I will happily go for it.
“I’ve always done it and I will continue do it and I will share what I can with my team which at this time can be my experience or advice to a teammate, provide reassurance – anything.”
On Lopetegui’s leadership
“They were in a difficult place, they changed managers because it wasn’t what they thought it would be and well, they went through the thick of it and were unable to get the results they hoped for. They were finding it difficult to navigate through the situation and I think that has improved with the managerial change.
“After all, his advice has helped us reach their goals, to practice more efficiently and to give that confidence we needed because there is quality there.”
On Diego Costa’s impact
“Not only as a player, but as an individual in the locker room, I personally always looked up to him because he works hard and his arrival was very welcome. The goal he scored the other day was impressive and he’s working more for the team’s benefit and when we’re with him, we try to cheer him on and offer the best support we can.
“He’s a very energetic person. He loves to speak with all the players and prank them and he definitely has character and personality which comes through on the pitch which is needed in a team.
“We need people with personality, character and eagerness to win and improve and I think that he has that ability to help us tremendously.”
On aims for the future
“In terms of football, for us to be safe and try to keep our composure to do the best we can for the games ahead, to take on board all of the manager’s advice and to grow as a group which is very important.
“I intend to play the best to my ability here to play for the Spanish team as well which makes me really proud but my main objective now is to help the team here, adapt as quickly as possible because at the end of the day, it’s a tough, demanding competition so I think I need to get used to it a little more and I think I’m on the right track.
“That’s my short-term goal and to grow from there to help the team with goals, assists, strategy, to be a presence in attack which is needed in any team.”
