A satisfied Walter Zenga praised his Wolves team for coming through a stern EFL Cup test against Crawley Town this evening.
Joe Mason’s early goal was cancelled out by Enzio Boldewijn before Conor Coady’s first goal for Wolves 15 minutes from time secured a place in Wednesday’s second round draw.
“I am satisfied because the team played with heart and passion and in the end deserved the win,” said Zenga.
“Crawley played very well and have some interesting players and deserve our congratulations.
“I know that in this competition it is not like if you are one league up you can win easily – no way.
“In England nothing ever happens like that, there are never any easy games."
Zenga made five changes to his starting line-up for tonight’s game and a further two at half time.
He revealed some of those were enforced and others tactical and to give opportunities to those keen to stake a claim.
“I changed the team because we play Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday-Tuesday and also because I need to give other players a chance,” he said.
“Also some players had kicks on Saturday and hadn’t trained before the game.
And Iorfa was suspended.
“Some changes were forced and some were rotation.
“I need to understand quickly how the players play and think about that for the future.
“I also made changes at half time but in my opinion a coach is there to take decisions.
“It is about thinking in the right way for the team.
“It doesn’t mean that the two players coming off are the worst players – they worked very hard in the first half.
“I have the chance to make changes during the game and I used this possibility.”
One of those changes saw Joao Teixeira make his full debut, and Zenga was impressed with him, as he was with many in the team.
“I thought Teixeira played well but a lot of players played well,” he said.
“But also what about Mason? He make a great game. And Price.
“We enjoy it because the players are giving 100 per cent to the project and that puts me in trouble because I have to choose a starting eleven.
“But it is better to have a lot of choice than none.”
And Zenga felt the yellow card for simulation dished out to the midfielder after he was on the end of a high challenge was harsh.
“In my opinion it wasn’t a yellow card,” said the Head Coach.
“In that position with the ball up in the air I don’t think it was a yellow card.
“But we have some quality players.
“Helder Costa maybe received six or seven fouls during the game but this is what we know and they have to learn from this situation.
“I am only talking about my players, not the opponents.
“Crawley made a very good game and the organisation of the coach and the spirit of the team deserve every congratulations. “
Zenga, who also says he still hopes for Wolves to add to the squad, is also keen to start producing the sort of positive momentum which will see more fans return to Molineux.
“I said after Rotherham that the fans have created a good emotion for me,” he said.
“My dream is to see the stadium full, that is my wish and my vision.”
