Despite dropping out of the Carabao Cup to Chelsea in a seven-goal thriller at Molineux, Vitor Pereira believes the fighting spirit his Wolves players showed in the second half can help turn their season around.
The head coach made wholesale changes from the side which took on Burnley in the Black Country four days previously, and a disjointed first half showing gave the team a mountain to climb in the second period.
But in spite of Tolu Arokodare’s neat finish and David Moller Wolfe’s brace, the fightback fell short, however, Pereira feels if that second half is repeated in the Premier League – starting against Fulham on Saturday – his players will be able to move up the table.
On second half performance
“What a second half! In the first half, we conceded the first goal and after, when I looked at the team, the players were a bit lost and we concede a second goal and after a third goal. I assume the responsibility, because it’s my responsibility.
“We changed a lot today, 11 players, we played with 11 players that have not been playing for long time, so it means the connection and the rhythm for this kind of game is not easy.
“At half time, we spoke about it, and I said to them, it’s my responsibility, but I want to see my team, I want to see tactical organisation, and I want to see the spirit that we have as a team. In the second half, we won 3-1 and the goal that we conceded was a pity, and we had the chance to score two more goals, and we deserved it.
“I’m very happy – not with the result, of course – but with the spirit that we showed in the second half and with our supporters, because they were very important for us. We felt from outside, the energy that we need to compete and to change the situation.”
