23rd October 2017
Leo Bonatini was delighted with his brace in Saturday's win over Preston North End - but admitted that the three hard-fought points meant more to him than continuing his recent excellent form in front of goal.
The Brazilian striker has now scored four in three games either side of the most recent international break, with his latest goals helping Wolves to a 3-2 victory over Preston at Molineux.
Bonatini confidently tucked home a penalty before finding himself in the right place at the right time to convert his second after Diogo Jota had seen his shot saved.
"It was a tough game for us," Bonatini said afterwards. "We knew it would be this way - they pressed us a lot, so it was an important win.
"I prefer the three points to the goals. I'm happy with the amount of goals I've scored but I'm not really thinking about that - I try to improve myself every week to help my team-mates: to score, to move well for them or to assist.
"Cav (Ivan Cavaleiro) let me take the penalty but it was for the whole team - I just want to help them. Then the second goal was a bit lucky - I didn't really see the ball, but it bounced in off my stomach and it counts, just like any other goal. A striker needs a bit of luck!
"I would always prefer three points over the goals, but if I can score and help the team win at the same time then I am very happy."
Bonatini's quickfire double gave Wolves a commanding 3-0 lead just after the hour mark - following Cavaleiro's opening goal at the end of the first half - but the home side endured a nervy final 15 minutes after Preston pulled two goals back.
Bonatini admits that the mood in the Wolves dressing room after the rollercoaster afternoon was mixed.
"The team is always improving. We know we can't concede like we did at the end today, so we need to improve that. Heads were a bit down in the dressing room, because of course the situation at the end shouldn't happen, but we won an important game and that's the main thing.
"It was hard to watch the last few moments from the bench (Bonatini was replaced by Helder Costa on 75 minutes) but the guys did well - we fought hard against them, and they're a good opposition so it's an important three points.
"The Championship is a very difficult league with teams that play different ways. Preston like to play like us, with the ball, whereas some teams prefer long ball. It's difficult but we're taking it step by step and we're improving.
"It's a long season and we know we need to keep working. We have a lot of good players in the squad; it's not just those players on the pitch but the whole squad. We work together all week and train at a high level. It's a tough league and we will need our entire squad in the coming months."
