‘Play every game like it is our last’ – that is how Wolves are continuing to give their all despite having no real league focus to aim for, according to defender Kortney Hause.
That is how the team plan to approach the remaining four fixtures – starting at Leeds United tomorrow (7.45pm) – and why Hause admits Friday’s last gasp defeat at promotion-chasing Hull City was so “tough to take”.
Wolves can no longer reach the play-offs, nor be relegated, but Hause says that will not affect either desire levels or motivation as they aim to finish in positive fashion to take into next season.
“We approach every game as if it is our last, and we are trying to get all three points from every game,” says Hause.
“We believe we have the quality and ability to get results in this league.
“And we need to finish strongly and build for next season.
“The gaffer hasn’t stepped off us - training is very hard every day.
“Recent performances have shown what we are about.
“Even though we have not got anything to play for in terms of the table, it is always good to stay professional and carry on working hard
“And that leads onto next season, and shows we have the ability, the drive and the desire.”
Friday night’s defeat at Hull ended Wolves six game unbeaten run, only a matter of seconds away from being extended until Robert Snodgrass’s free kick found the net via the body of the outstretched Carl Ikeme.
Wolves had responded well to conceding a poor early goal to hit back through Dave Edwards, and dominate large spells of the contest.
“It was very tough to take,” Hause admits.
“We played well for the majority of the game but were just unfortunate to lose it in the way that we did.
“Props to Hull p with the quality of the players they have got – you have to hold your hands up sometimes and accept that it was a great free kick.
“We defended well as a team and as a unit but at the end of the day that bit of quality won them the game, and that is why they are up there competing for promotion.
“Every game in the Championship seems to have a manic start for the first ten to 15 minutes.
“And while the second goal was unstoppable the first that we conceded was poor.
“I wouldn’t say we made a shaky start but we could have dealt with it better.
“It was important that we didn’t crack, the goal didn’t affect our performance or knock our confidence.
“As that went by we all dealt with it pretty well and got through it and as the game went on we grew into it as a team.
“Coming away from home and playing at Hull, we knew it was going to be a hard game but for spells we dominated and were solid at the back.
“We had a fair amount of the ball and opportunities to create which we did, but not as much as we would have liked to.
“What we had we did well with - Jeremy Helan put in a lot of good balls, especially in the first half when he was our main threat
“We can look back and maybe think we could have got something out of the game – a point if not three.”
With the loss of skipper Danny Batth to illness, Sylvain Deslandes came in for his league debut for Wolves.
That meant the ages of Wolves’ back four were 24, 20, 20 and 18, surely one of the youngest in the club ‘s history.
“It is a very good thing to see so many young player here given an opportunity,” added Hause.
“Sylvain is only 18 and it was his first league start, me and Dom are only 20, and when you look around there are not too many other players of that age at this level.
“That is a good thing for us and good for the club.
“We were a young back four but we dealt with gthe ame and dealt with the pressure.
“I thought me and Dom grew into the game and stayed solid for the team, while it was a big night for Sylvain which he dealt with well.
“We all know he is good enough and has the attributes to be a good Championship left back
“The more he plays, the more he will grow into it and develop as a player.
“He has settled in very well – he is a likeable guy who wants to get his head down, work hard and do well for himself and for the club.”
