Richard Walker is hoping his players will go out and express themselves on the Molineux pitch on Thursday evening.
Wolves go head-to-head with Chelsea in the U17 Premier League Cup final and are in positive spirits, having beaten reigning U18 Premier League champions Manchester City on the weekend. That result left the Old Gold third in the table and coming into Thursday’s final, Walker believes his team will be underdogs but should feel confident to enjoy the occasion.
On going into the game
“The boys will go into the game full of confidence, they’ve got momentum at the minute. We’re on a good run of form, unbeaten and sitting third in the table.
“We’re off the back of a tremendous win on Saturday against Manchester City.”
On the U17 PL Cup campaign
“It’s been a good hybrid between the 18s and the 16s. It’s a good step-up from 16s and it’s been testing, challenging.
“The first hurdle was to get out of the group and in order to get out the group you need to pretty much top the group – that’s what we did.
“To come out and top a group with Manchester United in is a great achievement.”
On facing Chelsea
“It will be a tough test, for sure. Chelsea are an outstanding side and it will be a tall order and a big test.
“However, we’ve got quality players who have showcased themselves in this tournament this season and I think all the players will be looking forward to expressing themselves on the Molineux pitch under the lights.”
On learnings to take from the Youth Cup defeat
“Last time, we missed out by one spot-kick. Ultimately, we’re here to develop players and that evening will have been a good experience and learning lesson for the players.
“Hopefully we see evidence of the next steps and the learnings they’ll have taken from that evening.
“It’s all about development and hopefully we can see the progress the players are making. We’re confident of the progress, to a man, that the boys are making this season.”
On the game being at Molineux
“It’s great and fantastic for the club that we’ve got it on Molineux. Not many Premier League clubs would allow that and I think it’s testament to everyone involved and the support that goes out to the academy.
“It will feel like a home fixture with the amount of people coming down and Wolves fans who have said they’re coming, it should be a good night.
“The players will have lots of friends and family there, so it should be a good evening.”
On what he wants to see from his players
“I just want them to express themselves and enjoy it. We’re going in as underdogs, there are no two ways about it.
“We’re a big club ourselves but with the greatest respect, Chelsea are one of the big four if you like. It will be a real test.
“I want our players to enjoy the evening and transfer some of the form they’re showing in the league into the cup final.”
