Hee Chan Hwang is hoping 2025 will be an improved year not only for Wolves but also for himself after he ended 2024 with two goals from two to help his team continue their unbeaten run under Vitor Pereira.
The Korean came off the bench to secure all three points against Manchester United on Boxing Day before firing home a well-worked set-piece goal inside the opening 10 minutes away at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.
Hwang, who dedicated his goal to the 179 people who lost their lives in the Jeju Air plane crash at South Korea’s Muan International Airport earlier on Sunday, heads into the new year in full confidence both in his own ability to bounce back from a 2024 which was blighted by injury and form troubles as well as helping Wolves push up the Premier League standings.
On the draw at Tottenham
“The point is very important for us. We didn’t lose three games in a row and to get seven points from three games is very big and very meaningful for us.
“I’m really happy to score again and to help my team. That’s made me very proud, and we are all happy. To score twice and for the team to do well in the last three games since the new manager has arrived, it’s a good moment for us.
“Today it was also great to score that late goal when we were behind. It’s a valuable point for us and it was an important match. It wasn’t the best way to finish this year, but it’s not too bad a result. It’s good for us.”
On his second goal in two games
“We practiced that the last few days and the coach said to me, ‘Please Channy, make goals. That’s my dream set-pieces.’ So I said, ‘Ok, I’ll try!’ I tried my best and I did. I’m really happy to score like that.
“At first I celebrated with my teammates but I always had it in my mind that I wanted to send a message if I scored a goal because before the match, we all heard about the terrible news in Korea.
“I was determined to prepare well for the game and perform well today. I hope I could have given just a little bit of hope to the victims’ families. I wish to send my condolences and I feel great sadness for the victims who lost their lives.”
On keeping the belief despite falling behind
“We conceded two goals before half time, and we changed some little details in the second half, how we pressed, and it was a big change. We only changed a little bit but mentally, he [Pereira] always gives to us motivation to fight.
“He gives to all of us everything, which is why everyone give everything also, from the subs also. That’s why we’re very strong and that’s why, at the moment, we’ve improved a lot.”
“Three games and seven points is very big and meaningful for us. I’m really happy to score again to help my team.” 🇰🇷🗣️ pic.twitter.com/QfTt1z46Hz
— Wolves (@Wolves) December 30, 2024
On the fighting spirit in the squad
“Since the beginning we felt very good. We believe in each other and the coach said before the game to believe in each other until the end. We can win and get some points.
“That’s why we – until the end – gave everything and took a very important one point.”
On looking to improve in 2025
“Personally, and for the team, it is nice to end the year on a positive note. It’s not the end as we have the new year and new games to come, but I’m more motivated to do better in the new year.
“I know it’s important to keep these positive moments ongoing to become a better player so I want to keep doing well. I hope I can keep playing without any injuries. There was a lot that happened this year. You could say I didn’t have much of an impact in the back end of the year, but I feel I have learnt so much this year and I’m ending it well.
“Everyone can see that we are strong at the moment and our goal is to just win as much as possible. We can do that.”
