Playing at right-wing back for the first 65 minutes of the contest in Nanjing, Traore impressed in humid temperatures and demonstrated his fitness levels were no match for the difficult conditions with a number of bursting runs during the match.
Although delighted to get Wolves’ pre-season preparations off to a positive start, the 23-year-old is calling on his teammates to maintain their performance levels ahead of Saturday’s Premier League Asia Trophy Final in Shanghai.
On a dominant victory over Newcastle
“It was tough, to be honest, but it was good. It was good to get a win in the first game, it’s good to keep the fitness and good to have these sessions.
“The team have been doing a great job on the pitch and working so hard, but I’m so happy for the win and we want to keep going.”
On the humid conditions in Nanjing
“In the first couple of minutes it was hard because you have to get used to this weather, and your body has to get used to it.
“After 15 or 20 minutes you get there, and you keep working. It’s about working, it’s about getting the fitness and I think every player on the pitch has been doing a great job, but we have to keep going.”
On improving fitness during pre-season
“We’ve been working so hard before the game, to be honest. When you’re in training and you’re working hard, after that you feel better on the pitch.
“The staff have been doing great work, Nuno has been doing great work, and the team have been working so hard, and after you can see on the pitch how everyone is fit and how everyone wants to win. I think this mentality is very important as well.”
On a winning start to pre-season
“It’s always important to have positive results in pre-season. It’s always good to start positive, and I think that is great for the team.
“As a player, you’re working hard before the start of the season, so it’s been good to finally show what you can do and show the fans that we are ready for whatever is in front of us.
“It’s our first win in our first game, we’re happy, and we have to keep going.”
