Maximilian Kilman insists every Wolves player knows how ‘massive’ Sunday’s Black Country derby is and the players will be giving everything on the pitch to ensure they achieve a historic result for the Old Gold.
The Wolves captain’s only previous experience of going up against West Bromwich Albion was during the Covid-impacted season of 2020/21, but with the Emirates FA Cup fourth round tie being his first taste of the derby atmosphere with supporters in the ground, Kilman cannot wait to lead Wolves out at The Hawthorns, with the team looking to get a first win at the ground in 28 years.
On maintaining Wolves’ unbeaten run
“It’s been unbelievable how far we’ve come. I still remember that game [6-0 loss to Brighton last season] and it was a very, very tough game, but I think it shows how much we’ve improved with the way we went to face them on Monday.
“I thought we were outstanding at Brighton and executed a very difficult game plan against them. We defended brilliantly throughout and had some really good chances to nick it at the end.
“Not many teams go there and get anything, not even a clean sheet, so we were very confident going into that game and had to fight 110 per cent until the end, and we did that.
“We’re now six unbeaten [in all competitions], coming into a big derby on the weekend, so I think we’re in a good place.”
On an FA Cup Black Country derby
“Some people have been mentioning the West Brom game to me even before the Brighton game, so we know how big it is.
“I can’t wait. I’m looking forwards to it. There’s not been a derby in how many years – apart from the Covid ones – and we’ve not won at their ground for like 20-something years, so it would be an unbelievable achievement if we go and do it.
“But that’s the plan – to go there, win it, and get through to the next round.”
On his first real experience of the derby
“I’ve only played in the derby once before and that was during the Covid season where I came on for just 10 minutes. I’ve not really experienced it properly, so I’m really looking forwards to it. I can’t wait to experience a proper derby with fans, so I’m really excited for it.
“All of the boys know how big of a game it is for everyone in Wolverhampton, so we need to make sure we’re ready and ready to fight against them.
“It’s a massive game for the club and a massive game for the fans. But this is why you play football – to play in these derbies.”
On ensuring the squad know its importance
“It’s my job to tell some of the boys, especially some of the foreign boys, who don’t know how big this game is for the club.
“Even though I’ve not really experienced it, I know how big this game is, and I know some of the foreign boys need to know that as well. It’s a massive game.
“Cunha is someone who always likes to ask a lot of questions and he always wants to know more about the club, so when he asked us about this game, we’ve obviously told him how big it is. I know he said something about the big derbies he’s played in and he can’t wait to play in this one, but it’s our job to tell all the boys this week how big this game is.
“I’ve not spoken to Daws’ about it, but it’s obviously a big game for him. Having played for West Brom he knows what this game means, and if he scores as well, I don’t know how the fans will react, but it would be exciting to see what happens.”
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On looking to progress in the cup
“We’ve got to take it as a massive game because we want to go through as well, and we want to go as far as we can in the FA Cup.
“We know we’ll be favourites, but they’re going to be ready and they’re going to be as up for it as we will be, so we need to make sure we show our quality and show why we’re a Premier League club.
“We’ve got to go there, do the job and try to get through to the next round.”
On leading Wolves out at the Hawthorns
“I love this club. This club gave me the opportunity to become a professional. It gave me the opportunity to be a Premier League footballer.
“I loved every minute of being captain. Coming into it, I knew it was going to be a big challenge, but I felt it was right for my progression here at Wolves. Being captain here is something I’ve always aspired to be. I never thought I would be captain, but I’m really enjoying it, I’m really improving and I’ve got more to improve on.
“I’m so happy here and I just want to keep going and keep improving together. We’ve got so much more we can achieve this season and hopefully we do.”
