Dendoncker | 'It's not been the same without fans'

Leander Dendoncker has acknowledged the impact an absence of supporters has had on Wolves this season, as the team prepare to welcome limited numbers of fans back to Molineux for the final Premier League match of the season this weekend.

In what will be head coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s final game in charge of the club, Wolves will invite Manchester United to the Black Country as the curtain draws on the 2020/21 season and Dendoncker is excited at the prospect of finishing the campaign in front of 4,500 vocal old gold fans.

On the fans returning to Molineux

“I’m really looking forwards to having the fans back in the stadium. It was already nice to be able to play at Everton away when the fans were there.

“It was amazing to see, and now the last game is at home for us with some of our fans, which is really good for us and also for them.

“Especially for us, I think we really missed them in this season because our home games with the fans is one of our strengths.

“I don’t think a lot of teams have come here to our ground and won easily, but this year without fans it’s changed a little bit with the stadium being empty, and it’s not the same feeling. I think everyone is happy that they are back.”

On a season overshadowed by injuries

“We’ve been really unfortunate this season with injuries, all kinds of injuries, and also unfortunately with Covid, but that’s been the same for everyone. But we’ve had a lot of injuries, and injuries to many important players, which makes a huge difference.

“The absence of Raul, for instance, Pedro has not been here for a while now, Podence has been struggling, Marcal, Boly, Jonny as well, who has also had the same injury as he had before – a lot of players have been struggling.

“It’s been really tough and it’s been hard to deal with because our squad is not as big as other teams, so it has reflected on our results this season. We’ve been really unfortunate in that aspect.”

On the enjoyment of playing in the Premier League

“A lot. Obviously, I honestly think it’s the best, the hardest and the toughest league in the world. I think the beauty of this league is that everyone can win against everyone which is not really like that in every country.

“It’s physically really hard, technically really good, the level is really high, and that’s what makes the beauty of the Premier League.”

On his footballing family

“My older brother doesn’t play football, he works for my agent, but my younger brother is playing for Brighton, he played for their under-23s this season, and he’s enjoying it there.

“I’m happy for him and I hope he will develop as a professional player, and we might be playing with each other or against each other one day – that would be nice.”

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