Paul Lambert is confident there is a spirit and togetherness about Wolves to suggest more positive times ahead.
The Head Coach has been keen to bring a greater intensity and determination to Wolves’ play since arriving last month, and is heading into the Christmas fixtures expecting the team to build on last weekend’s win at Nottingham Forest.
He says confidence has never been a problem, but that it has increased in recent weeks.
“I’ve never known their confidence to be lacking since I’ve been here,” he said.
“They’ve always been great. Their attitude has been fantastic.
“I think they enjoy it. I think the enthusiasm for the game is back, which I don’t think was there when we came in.
“Everything at the minute feels really good for them.
“Winning against Forest the way we did, it helps that, to build on it.
“There’s a long way to go but the progress has been very good.”
The annual Christmas lunch for players and staff was held at the training ground on Monday, this year with a twist.
The Under-18 players had to stand up and sing in front of the room in echoes of the usual initiation ceremony for new faces in the first team squad.
Plenty of merriment ensued, and Lambert believes there is a good group at Wolves keen to work together.
“You'll never motivate an unmotivated player - it doesn't matter how good a manager you are,” he said.
“If someone's not motivating themselves, it is really tough.
“The lads here have been great and they're really nice guys as well.
“They're a brilliant group of guys here, really good.
“They seem very close and that was seen by the Christmas lunch here on Tuesday.”
And two figures who Lambert believes could really help make a positive impact over the coming weeks are the wing threats Ivan Cavaliero and Helder Costa.
The pair grabbed a goal each in the win at the City Ground, and have the potential to both excite and help secure points now they are fully settled in.
“Cavaleiro and Costa are the top of their game at the minute - they're right on it,” says the Head Coach.
“The lads that have taken time to adjust have to come through that period.
“Costa has hit the ground running since the start and Cav's starting to come into his own now which can happen.
“People go on about Mkhitaryanat Manchester United. I saw him at Dortmund and he was absolutely brilliant.
“Certain people just need a wee bit of time.”
Wolves welcome Bristol City to Molineux on Boxing Day (3pm) followed by QPR on New Year’s Eve (3pm).
