James Collins has hailed his young group, as Wolves under-21s recorded their first Premier League 2 victory of the season on Monday.
The Old Gold emphatically defeated Leeds United by four goals to one at Aggborough and head coach Collins believes his team were more than worthy of the three points, and has highlighted the individual quality of players, who are improving all the time, as key to the overall success of the team. Collins has also challenged his players to continue their momentum into Thursday’s Premier League International Cup fixture against Monaco, from whom he is expecting an difficult test.
On the victory and performance
“I think the boys deserved the win. We always knew it was going to be a tough game.
“Leeds always come and give you that test and that challenge. The boys really implemented the tactics really well tonight. They counter attacked really well, were dangerous on the break, and probably could have scored one or two more.
“They were disciplined with their defending. We’re disappointed to concede the goal after we could have just gone 3-0 up, but I'm delighted for the boys.
“They had a tough game last week. We're going to have some really tough games this season with the young group. That's not an excuse. I keep saying it, but we will get some beatings.
“There are some tough opponents when teams play senior players because the physicality is so tough. Tonight was an even match and when it's an even match, the boys stood up to it really well, and maybe coming off the back of the tough times that helps them.
“It’s nice to get the first league win. We're actually on a nice, decent run. In the last five games, we've only lost once, won a couple, drawn a couple. The boys are progressing nicely.”
On players showing individual quality
“Leo's (Lopes) wonderful through ball for one of the goals. I think Tom (Edozie) is really improving his out of possession work, which is something a couple of years ago, he wouldn't have even thought about. And then his ability on the ball, his goal scoring.
“Fletch (Fletcher Holman) is working so hard on trying to improve his general play, but then his finishing is phenomenal. It's exciting to see him - he gets near the goal and I think goal, so he's improving all the time.
“I thought the back players were terrific today. Pondy (Alfie Pond) looks like he's got some confidence from playing with the first-team boys last week, which is nice for him.
“I’m delighted with the individuals, delighted with the result because it gives them confidence.”
On facing Monaco in the International Cup on Thursday
“Monaco just beat PSG, Barcelona and Liverpool in the last three games, so they're half decent and it'll be a really tough game Thursday.
“We’re not in developing these players to win competitions, but winning competitions and pushing to try and win competitions is obviously part of their development.
“With the group we've got this year, that International Cup is going to be an incredibly tough tournament, as is the Bristol Street Motors competition.
“We're in another competition against the National League first-teams this season, so almost the league is the level, if you like, and then we've got three or four tournaments above the level physically so we’re going to be tested.
“I'm really excited to see how we respond after tonight. A couple of days to rest, a quick turnaround.
“How did they recover mentally? How did they recover physically? Can they pick up the tactics for the next game? It’s all good learning for them, so exciting times.”
