Wolves could make it four wins from four matches in the Europa League this season if they were to get a positive result over the Armenian outfit in the second leg of the third qualifying round tie, but despite taking a four-goal lead into the match on Thursday, the Wolves head coach insists his players will have to perform well if they want to progress in the competition.
On adapting to European football
“So far, it’s been good; but not only the players, the staff have been amazing. First of all, trying to before we travel having everything ready for us and the players have been very positive and I’m glad they they’ve embraced this challenge and been able to compete every game.
“It requires a lot of effort from us, requires a lot of non-visible work when they are by themselves, respect their bodies and recover well, but we are delighted, and we want to continue.
“No matter which competition, no matter which opponent you have, for us the philosophy is the same. We have to compete, we have to perform, we have to be ready.
“The pinnacle for us is each game; no matter which competition you are in, no matter how many spectators are in the ground to see the game, all these aspects don’t affect us – what’s inside the pitch is more important for us.”
On team selection
“The philosophy’s the same. We’ll be approaching the game the same way. We’ll try to find the best 11 that we can for the game of tomorrow. For sure, that will be our main objective, compete and perform well in the game.
“It’s not over. It’s going to be over tomorrow at 10 o’clock. It’s not over. Thinking that would be a mistake. If you are well prepared you are always ready to compete. If you live under the suspicion of risk, you cannot make decisions.
“Versatile players allow you to make different decisions if you think that is better for the team. We don’t have just one or two, we have a lot of players who can make different positions on the pitch.
“We’re a small squad, but a versatile squad.”
On Vallejo and Curtone’s chances of starting
“They joined us later than the main core of the squad and we have to attend all the aspects; minutes of games, how many sessions they had before they are ready to compete.
“All these aspects we take a good look at and then we make – hopefully – a good decision.”
On being clinical in attack
“I think taking you chances is a big factor in every game. Being clinical and taking your chances is one of the aspects, regarding our last game, which we must improve. In the game before Leicester we will be able to be really clinical with our chances, but on Sunday it didn’t happen.
“If you are clinical you will get an advantage on the score, which can change the game.”
