“The past is past and what is done is done” – that’s the view of Walter Zenga as Wolves’ Head Coach said the derby win at Birmingham counts for nothing ahead of tonight’s EFL Cup tie with Cambridge United at Molineux (7.45pm).
There were memorable scenes at the end of Saturday’s impressive victory at St Andrew’s which extended Wolves’ promising start to the season and unbeaten run, and the Head Coach was more than happy for him and the squad to share the moment with the ecstatic travelling support.
But as soon as that was done, thoughts immediately turned to tonight’s game, and maintaining the same level of performance to try and see Wolves through to the third round.
“For me I was exhausted after Saturday’s game and it is difficult to recharge immediately!” says Zenga.
“As the boss of the team I have to set the good example to everybody and am already thinking about the next game.
“If you find a way to keep concentration at the same level and not go up and down, at the end of the season you will find a positive result.
“If you don’t do that, then it will be difficult.
“If anyone thinks tonight is an easy game and doesn’t need concentration then we will be in the wrong way.
“The players will prepare well in training and then must start the game with the right attitude – that is the way.
“It doesn’t mean that we will win every game – just that we prepare to win.
“The past is the past – what is done is done.
“I always hope that the best performance is the next one.
“Even after a good win you have to concentrate on the next game.
“The past can give you force and power to prepare better for the next one.
“But if you think playing well in the last game automatically gives you something for the next – no, that is not the way.
“This is a game which we must not under-estimate and treat with maximum concentration and respect the opponent.
“Cambridge beat Sheffield Wednesday in the last round and in this cup there can be a lot of surprises, and there are no easy games.
“We have to continue to keep our fans enthusiastic and with us.
“So we have to start the game in the right way and with the right attitude.”
Wolves must prepare for tonight without midfielder Lee Evans, who is facing a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury after going off during Saturday’s game.
“I am sad for Lee,” says Zenga.
“I am said for any player who gets injured and I keep my fingers crossed he will be available soon.
“Unfortunately this happens during the season and you have to be ready.
“I would always like that no players are missing for any other reason other than it is my selection decision.
“But we have to continue and for players who are injured they have to be positive and come back as soon as they can.”
Nouha Dicko continued his recovery from injury with 65 minutes for the Under-23s in last night’s 4-3 defeat to Swansea.
Silvio is nearing a possible return from his injury while Mike Williamson will be longer due to a continuing tendon problem.
Zenga should have two new faces available for this evening, with loan signings Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Ola John set to be available.
“We are trying to improve the squad and put quality and characteristics in the team that we don’t have,” said the Head Coach.
“Borthwick-Jackson is a left back who is a good young player from Manchester United and Ola John is a player who two years ago in Benfica was doing amazing things.
“Maybe at Reading it didn’t go so well but he has a quality for our team and I like these players who can dribble the ball and create.
“We are still short of defenders and strikers and the club is working very hard.
“As a coach now I am just inside the game for tonight and I will leave the other things to the other people.”
*There will be cash turnstiles for tonight’s game in the upper tier of the Billy Wright Stand. All other tickets must be purchased from the Ticket Office which is open up until kick off but please allow plenty of time. Tickets can be purchased online and printed at home with no admin fees.
