Despite being sidelined for a month, Toti knew the importance of lasting the full 90 minutes on Saturday, given Wolves' position in the Premier League.
The defender once scored the winner against Aston Villa at Molineux, so knows the significance of the fixture to supporters, but the priority was points, and the Old Gold lifted themselves out of the drop zone with a 2-0 win.
Vitor Pereira won his first two Wolves matches with Toti on the left of his back three but has had to do without the defender since Boxing Day due to injury. The Portuguese returned to play the full 90 against Villa, helping his side to a clean sheet, and his presence was appreciated by those in the stands.
On getting back to winning ways
“It was amazing. We know how special this game is, against Villa. We prepared well during the week, we just did what the Gaffer told us to do, and it feels good to be back with the team, helping my teammates. I'm very happy, and I'm proud of everyone.”
No way past @TotiGomes23 ⛔️ pic.twitter.com/Qiu4mBK4iD
— Wolves (@Wolves) February 2, 2025
On what clicked on Saturday
“Yeah, it's not been easy. We've been having tough, tough games. Every game is tough, but we had a good plan from the Gaffer. We've been trying to do it and show it every game. Of course, every game is different, but this game, we knew how important he was, and we really needed to get points, and we just did what the Gaffer told us, and it was very, very beautiful to watch.”
On needing to show everything
“It was not easy. We knew they were going to come with everything, especially when we scored the first goal. Of course, we had more chances to score the second and the third in the first half. But we kept fighting. The team was together. The commitment from everyone was amazing, and this is one of the reasons we won this game. The second goal gave us a chance to breathe at the end. It was a relief, and it was amazing.”
On returning from injury
“It's very good to be back. I was watching the games from home or from the stands, knowing that I couldn't help the team, it was difficult for me, but it's really good to come back now and know that I can help the team, and I will always do my best to help this team.
“I feel good, the first 90 minutes back. Of course, you never know how it’ll go, but with adrenaline and everything, and I knew how special this game is, I had to give everything of myself to play the whole game.”
