Sporting director Matt Hobbs says Jose Sa can play an important role in Wolves’ next cycle, both on and off the pitch, after signing new terms with the club.
The goalkeeper put pen to paper on a new contract this week, after entering his third season at Molineux as number one, now under the stewardship of head coach Gary O’Neil.
A strong personality off the pitch and a fine shot stopper on it, Sa was left excited by conversations with the Hobbs and the club and, as a personality who shoulders responsibility in the dressing room, is ready to continue his role as a key figure at Molineux.
On Sa committing to the project
“We’re excited that Jose will be part of this next stage and cycle we’ll be going through, and he’ll play an important role in that, on and off the pitch. He’s excited by what we’re trying do, but also understands that people like him, in his position, are really important for us.
“It’s something that he’s earnt. He’s been a really important player to us and a leader off the pitch and is improving all the time. It’s a reward for his hard work primarily, but also shows his importance to us.”
On consistency during transitional periods
“Especially in that position, it’s all about forging relationships. It’s nice to know we have a settled goalkeeper. The consistency is important and so is the experience he brings and the relationships he has with players on the pitch.
“It’s always good if your goalkeeper can be a consistent performer and a personality around the group, so while there’s lots of stuff going on and we’re a squad in transition, it’s good to make sure we’ve got some key people in certain positions.”
On continuing strong relationships
“The more they play together [Sa and the defence], the more they’ll understand each other. They’re good ages, with good experience, so it’s a real, positive step for us. He wants to be part of the transition, which is important.
“He can see where the club is going and what we’re looking to do over the next few windows, so he was excited by that. He’s a winner and wants us to move forward and is also someone who shoulders responsibility.”
On being a strong character
“He’s a real personality, his own man, but day in, day out there’s more and more leadership coming out of him and he’s shouldering more and more responsibility. He’s a good person, a very good goalkeeper, and we’re really happy to have him here.”
On the future with Sa
“His performances over the last couple of years have shown he’s a really consistent goalkeeper at this level. It protects everyone, everyone’s comfortable, it takes him to a good age and his family can be settled.”
