The 29-year-old was one of six new arrivals in Wolverhampton during the January transfer window, and alongside Craig Dawson, brings Premier League experience to the group, following spells with Southampton and Fulham. Lemina made an impact on day one in old gold, coming off the bench to see out the victory over West Ham United, and as part of a packed and talented midfield department, he hopes to play his part and bring something different to Julen Lopetegui’s side.
On the role Lopetegui sees for him
“I knew it before I came [the competition], that’s why I was pleased. I know there’s a lot of good players here, even more than good, fantastic players, Nunes, Neves, Moutinho, Joao Gomes and Bouba, there’s a lot of competitiveness in the middle and I think I’m going to improve again.
“When the gaffer talked to me, he said I’ve got experience from where I’ve been, I’m 29 now, and he wanted balance in the middle. I think we needed more power in the middle, a player who can step on the play and challenge a lot to make the other players around create things, and that’s what I’m going to try to do.”
On a clear team aim
“I think we’re all on the same page that we have to stay in the Premier League. If I say we’re going to be the best team in one or two weeks, it’s a lie, because with all these kinds of signings, we need time to create something together, to get chemistry between us. With this quality, in the six months coming, we can create something really good for the next season.
“It was really hard when I was relegated with Fulham because I think we had a good team to stay in the Premier League. It was my first time getting relegated and it was really hard because I want to be with the top teams. That’s why I’m here and I’m going to challenge myself and the team to not do that because it’s really painful.”
On coming up against Liverpool
“They’re Liverpool and if they take the game in the right way, it’s going to be hard for us. We have to put them in a difficult game with high pressure and try to make them make mistakes because if we let them play, it’s going to be really hard, but we have the quality to do that.”
On settling into Wolves
“It’s been really cold, different to Nice, but I’m really enjoying it, the people have been really nice. The level is really, really high and I really like it. I need to now step up because it’s another level now. I came back from an injury now and I need to recover my fitness to be able to help the team now.”
On the lure of Wolves
“It was hard for me to leave Nice because I was in a really good place, honestly. I was vice captain there and it was something that I tried to achieve during my career. I’ve been at a lot of clubs and to be back in the Premier League, for me, was an achievement. I went down a lot of times because of injuries and stuff and I needed to bounce back.
“Until I’m going to finish football, I will try to improve and be the best version of myself all the time. To be back in the best league in the world is an achievement. I worked a lot to be back in the best way.”
