Rob Edwards insists Wolves need to get back to basics and enjoy doing the ugly side of the game to give themselves a chance at Arsenal on Saturday.
The head coach has been in position for one month now, and although results haven’t arrived yet, he’s seen positives amongst a group of players who he is convinced have more to show, if they’re willing to mix fighting and battling with maintaining control of matches.
Tests don’t come much tougher than Arsenal away on Saturday, and although he’s aware of the danger the league leaders will pose, he knows if his side value all aspects of the game, they’ll give themselves a better chance of getting a result.
On the need to do the basics right
“We've got to do the basics really well. We've got to value doing the boring things, the unseen things better. We've got to run harder when we lose the ball, we've got to react quicker, we've got to sprint, we've got to fight and win more duels. In certain situations when we are in control of the game, we've got to make sure that we retain control of the game and it doesn't just flip straight to the opposition in dangerous positions, which too often it did against United the other day.
“That could be from our own throw in, our goal kick, and these are basic things that we were having to really go over and value. Arsenal are arguably the best at every aspect of the game. They value every part of it. If we don't do it in this one, then we don't stand a chance.
“We're all in a position at the moment of getting questioned, doubted. Every single one of us have got to try and stand up and show people. It's more difficult for some, it's probably human nature, and others react better, but that's what we have to do.”
— Wolves (@Wolves) December 12, 2025
On the players stepping up
“We do need something from them. When we're going into a game like this, where clearly we're the underdogs, it's important to have real clarity with what we're doing from a defensive point of view, and all aspects of the game, we've got to try and give something so we can try and win as well and get some belief.
“It's really important that we stand in front of the group and we can deliver that, so the lads then believe and engage with it. So, we've had a few days to be able to work on it and train it, show it. I'll stand there and I'll believe it. Then, of course, the lads are the ones who go over the white line, and hopefully then can deliver as well.
“They're [Arsenal] in an amazing moment and they're going to be full of confidence. They're an incredible squad of gifted players that are confident. We've got a good group of players, but they're hurting at the moment as well. So, we need to try and keep being consistent and keep giving that belief. I can't just go and hand someone confidence, we can try and show and do it and work on it, but in the end, it's got to come, we've got to deliver.”
On reacting to Monday night
“It was a difficult night. It didn't feel great at all. But I went home and watched the game back, and felt reenergised to go again, show the stuff that we need to improve on, and there are things in our control that we can improve, and need to improve quick. The lads need to value it, some basic things that we have to do, that other teams do better than us.
“It was probably a little bit of an eye opener for a few, and we can really see it pretty clearly. The reaction from the guys has been good. We're going into what is maybe the most difficult game you've got tomorrow, so if that's not going to get everyone right up for it, realising that we've got to do the basics very well, then nothing will. Hopefully I see an improvement in some of those things tomorrow.”
On a month in charge
“Results haven't changed, so that's disappointing, because we all want to try and have an impact in terms of results, but I do feel there's a lot of good work that's gone on, and feel like we've got a really good understanding now of the group and the lads, so that's really positive as well.
“Ultimately, and what we're judged on, is the results. So, that's the bit that we're frustrated by, but the reality is that it was difficult before we came in, and I think we can see it's going to be difficult going forward I think for a period of time. But I'm energised by that. I'm looking forward to moving forward and trying to try to improve things.”
