Richard Walker has said it’s an honour to be representing Wolves in South Korea and praised the welcome given to his team.
Walker is leading the under-17s in the International Youth Cup, hosted by the K League, in Incheon and has pinpointed the ‘lifetime experience’ both players and staff will receive. On the pitch, Wolves got their Group B campaign underway with a 2-0 defeat to Real Sociedad, in a match Walker has highlighted the tournament nous as a factor in the Spaniards being successful over his side. With six games scheduled for the next seven days, the youngsters are set for a real test when it comes to fitness and recovery, but the head coach has spoken highly of the work of his support staff in ensuring the players are best prepared.
On the game against Real Sociedad
“It was a challenge for the boys. I thought we actually started alright and for a couple of minutes we looked the better team.
“We then got a kick in the teeth which is a set back that knocked the boys. I thought we lost a little bit of composure which is understandable in the pressure of the tournament.
“It dented us and we kind of deviated away from the game plan a little bit and stopped passing the ball.
“I thought it took the second goal to make us settle and once we calmed down, passed the ball better and committed to the press, I thought we looked the better team for 20 minutes or so.
“In the end, the journey, the jet lag and the legs started to take its toll. We fell short in the end and we know collectively we’re capable of more.
“That’s why we come to these tournaments. There’s a massive learning experience to take from it and I’ve got no doubt the boys will respond to that.”
On Sociedad being clinical
“Sociedad are a good side. They’re a big club and I felt they did display better tournament experience than us.
“They’re a little bit older than us and that composure in front of goal was probably a real decisive factor in the game.
“We huffed and puffed and had little half moments in the game, but just couldn’t get the ball out of our feet in front of goal.
“As a learning experience for the boys, it’s invaluable. There’s plenty of positives to take from it.”
On the South Korea experience so far
“It’s been brilliant. The people of South Korea have been superb. We were privileged to have the support from the South Korea supporters club which was pleasing to see.
“Everything about South Korea has been fantastic and we’re honoured to be representing Wolves out here.
“Obviously my primary focus is the football, but the lifetime experience the boys and staff will get from this is amazing.
“We’ve got to grasp every second of it and even in the bitterness of defeat – it’s still really positive about the experience that everyone’s having.”
On getting the recovery right
“Jess Fay and Elliot (Piggott-Smith) have been outstanding in terms of the work they’re doing and the education they’ve given the boys.
“They’re really professional lads and really diligent in how they go about their business, so I’ve got no doubts they’ll prepare well.
“The tournament’s going to be demanding, we knew it from the outset. They’ve got to have strong minds and be robust to deal with the vigour’s of it because it’s the same for every team in the tournament.”
