Wolves struggled for form before the Premier League campaign took a six-week hiatus for the World Cup, and the Spanish defender believes the break came at the perfect time for his team as it has allowed them to push the reset button and return ahead of a warm weather training camp in Marbella refreshed for the second-half of the season.
On feeling refreshed after the break
“Every break is good, but especially this one. It was really good for us because we were not going as well as we would like, so this break gave us the chance to reset and start again with a new gaffer.
“Everyone has got a lot of enthusiasm and passion and you can see that a lot more in the training since we’ve come back.
“But I’ve been preparing myself as well in the time I had off. I’ve been training away from Compton as I want to be better, so for the team and for me personally, I think we’re ready to go again and do a really good second-half of the season.”
On a new start under Lopetegui
“I think everyone has to start again and this has just been a reset of everything. We’ve been working really hard this season, but now we know we have to change a lot of things if we want to improve and get the results.
“Any time you have a new gaffer, or a new coach, you have to adapt in some points, because every coach has his own tactics and his own way to play, so everyone is learning, everyone is improving and we’re all trying to do what Lopetegui asks us.
“We’re giving our 100 per cent in everything because with his coaching and our dedication and commitment, I believe we can do really good things together.”
Diego finishes off a team move in today's training match.
— Wolves (@Wolves) December 3, 2022
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On returning to Spain
“It’s always really nice to go back there. I always try to spend some time at home with my friends and family and I also have my girlfriend there, so going back there during the break was really good, and it’s given me the motivation to go again for this new second-half of the season
“When I go home, I feel refreshed and it gives me a special feeling to get back to training and go again, so it’s good that we’re back in Spain for this training camp.
“These camps are always good for the squad because it gives us the chance to do different things in different training grounds, and everything has been good so far.
“These types of trips are really good for the squad not just for training, but in the gym, in the dressing room and in meals, as it increases our togetherness, our bonding, and builds relationships, so it’s a really good thing to do to keep us together.”
On watching the World Cup
“The World Cup is always special and a different feeling from watching club football. Now the knockouts are here, there are even more special things to see.
“I’ve been really enjoying it so far and it’s been really good to see. Hopefully all of our national teams can do well, but obviously I’ll be supporting Spain.
“It’s been brilliant watching Spain so far, they’ve been great. Although there was a spell in the Japan game where we had a 10-minute shock as we were nearly out, but apart from that they’ve been playing brilliant and I’ve really enjoyed watching them play together.
“It looks like they’ve been playing together for a whole season and that’s something very special to have in a national team. Hopefully they can continue like this.”
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— Wolves (@Wolves) December 5, 2022
On supporting his teammates in Qatar
“Of course, I want my Wolves teammates to do well and it’s been good to see them. Last night we were all watching South Korea against Brazil as a group and were supporting Channy [Hee Chan Hwang].
“He did a brilliant tournament, to be honest, and he played really well against Brazil, but he was just unlucky that he was playing against them as there is not much you can do against these teams.
“As well with Ruben [Neves], Jose [Sa] and Matheus [Nunes], they’ve been doing a brilliant job with Portugal and we’ll be watching them tonight and hope they can go through.
“But if Spain and Portugal pass [to the quarter-finals], then I’m sorry, but I will be against them as I will always support my country!”
