Although disappointed with the defeat at Arsenal, Julen Lopetegui provided perspective in his post-match media duties, with Wolves secured of their Premier League status three weeks before the final day relegation battle.
Wolves were comfortably beaten at the Emirates Stadium but had already achieved their aim before the final day drama unfolded, which saw Leeds United and Leicester City relegated. A lack of intensity was a reason behind the defeat Lopetegui believes, but he already has his sights firmly on a busy summer of improving the squad at Compton Park.
On the defeat at Arsenal
“It’s a frustrating day. I didn’t want this, and I hate to lose, of course. It a pity the first time they arrived to the box they scored – it’s been key. After the first goal it was more difficult for us and a quick second goal. They have quality and we have to do better. It’s about intensity. In the Premier League, if you go a little bit down on your intensity, you have lost because the level is very high.
“Of course, it’s not the way we wanted to finish. Maybe they had the extra motivation to play at home. They are a fantastic team, that’s why when you’re not at your best level, maybe it’s going to be embarrassing. It can serve as a wake up to us for the future. Be ready to keep improving because this squad has suffered a lot and we have to improve if we want to compete next season.”
On having perspective
“We are very unhappy today because we wanted to show our face. It’s not easy to play these kinds of matches, after you achieve your aim three matches before. A lot of players are maybe calm, thinking of the national team or the future, it’s not easy. They played at home, so you have to show your best face if you want to compete with them and we didn’t do it. It’s a pity.
“I highlight the merit of the team to be out of the relegation. I saw the sad images about Leeds and Leicester, with very big squads, and we are out three matches before because we have worked very well. Today I am very, very sad because it’s not good to finish in this way, but it’s not easy to play these kinds of matches.”
On looking to next season
“With the squad of this year, it’s not enough. We need to improve, so we will see what’s going to happen. With the squad, we have to do big, big work in the second part of the season to be out of relegation. We are in the Premier League and if you want to be in the Premier League, you have to compete with the best teams and the best investments in the world, it’s true. It’s the best competition in the world.
“We have suffered a lot. You look before, we were bottom on Boxing Day, but we reacted, and the team is out of relegation. We deserved to be in the Premier League for another year and it’s a big achievement for my players, but now is the moment to do things and make one analysis about the future.”
