Maximilian Kilman says he “loves” representing Wolves as captain after a first season wearing the armband.
The 26-year-old is one of only two outfield players, along with Arsenal’s William Saliba, to play every minute of Premier League action this season, which means he’s started 75 of the Old Gold’s last 76 league games.
His constant improvement is evident in that period, proving a consistent performer under Gary O’Neil, and while he says his captaincy style is different to that of Conor Coady and Ruben Neves in recent years, Kilman believes he’s leading by example in the dressing room.
On his first season as captain
“It’s been brilliant. It’s been tough, but I’ve really enjoyed it. Every day I come in and try to be the best I can for me and for everyone. I’ve really enjoyed it and I’ve improved so much, and I know next season I need to keep on going. That’s always been the goal for me, to keep getting better and to do my best.
“I knew it could happen [becoming captain]. [Ruben] Neves left last season and I knew it could be me. I was ready and it was a great moment, when I knew I was going to be the captain of this football club. I’ve taken it in my stride and it’s been great so far.
“You can look at role models you’ve seen in the past or on TV, and when you’ve been in previous dressing rooms with [Conor] Coady and Neves, but my style is different. I’ve really enjoyed it – I love representing this club as captain.”
On his style as captain
“I’m obviously very calm and kind of a modern leader. I try to lead by example, be a good role model and be there for my teammates.
“There’s much more [responsibilities] than I thought. When I first got the captaincy, I didn’t know how much there was. There’s lot of conversations, lots of interviews and making lots of decisions for the group – being the link between players and the manager.”
On the leadership group
“It’s helped so much. Nobody can do it all alone and we’ve got some great players here to help me. I feel like we’re all leaders together because on the pitch we can all lead. It’s great to have such great players around me and such good leaders.
“I’ve been here for a while now and I want to carry on doing what I’m doing and keep being the best I can. I love this club so much, so I just want to carry on.”
The pitchside view of the captain's opener 🎥
— Wolves (@Wolves) December 31, 2023
💪 @maxkilman pic.twitter.com/2g6ISqILvg
On this being his best season yet
“I think so. Last season I had a really good season, and this one has maybe been better in different aspects, but I’ve enjoyed it and I think I’m improving a lot. That’s the aim, to keep doing my best for this team.
“I want to be more on the scoresheet this season. I could have scored more, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to improve. This season I’ve been in the right positions a bit more and been a bit hungrier to score. VAR hasn’t helped at all, but at least I’m getting in the right positions, and I need to keep doing that. Becoming the captain, I’ve worked on my leadership, being more supportive and vocal.”
On playing in different defensive shapes
“We’ve always changed, but that’s how we are as a team. I’ve really enjoyed the challenges, learning different ways, and I’ve learned so much this season on and off the pitch. As a footballer, you’ve got to adapt to any situation, and you need to be able to do your best in whatever formation the manager plays.”
On his favourite game of the season
“Definitely the West Brom game. It was the first I’d experienced the Black Country derby, and with how good the day was, how we played and the support of the fans. It was a great day all round.
“The Chelsea away result was a great. Going to Stamford Bridge, scoring four goals and the way we played, the style of football, it was unbelievable. When I’m in the game, I get lost what’s going on, but it’s the feeling when the whistle goes, and you’ve won the game.”
