Cesar Peixoto was delighted Wolves were able to show a controlled performance to make it into the Carabao Cup third round but felt there is still more to come from his Old Gold side.
Despite making eight changes from the team which started against Preston North End four days previously, Wolves ran out 2-0 winners at Hillsborough thanks to an early own goal before defender Saheed Olagunju headed home a second just before half time.
Peixoto was pleased to have booked a spot in the draw and praised the way every member of his squad – including the debutant match winner Olagunju – is stepping up to the cause this season.
On getting through to the third round
“I think we started the game very well. We scored and, in the first half, I think we could have scored more. The team did a good job and all the players put in a lot of effort.
“In the second half, I think we could have played more with the ball, but it’s normal because some of the players became a little tired. Importantly, we stayed organised, didn’t concede and kept a clean sheet. An away win is important and I’m happy with the players.
“We’re going to try to win every game and we’ll put a competitive team on the pitch every time. It’s important to give minutes to all of the players and get everybody to the same level because the Championship is very tough and the season is very long. We don’t only need the starting eleven. We need all of the players.
“In the last game, the players who came from the bench were very important. They helped us score more goals and maintain a good level throughout the 90 minutes. Games like tonight are important for giving minutes to players who haven’t played as much and helping everybody stay fit and ready to play.”
On the importance of the second goal
“It was very important. We had other opportunities before that and didn’t score, so to get the second goal at that moment was very important for us. I think we could have scored more, but the most important things for me were the patterns, our ideas and the organisation of the team throughout the 90 minutes.
“Some players haven’t had many minutes in the previous games, so naturally they became more tired towards the end. We also played only two days ago, but the team stayed organised and at a good level. I think we deserved to win.”
On Olagunju’s debut performance
“He was important. We know Saheed because he trains with us sometimes, and tonight we gave him his opportunity. I think he did a great job and had a very good game.
“He also scored a goal, which isn’t his main job because he’s a centre-back, but it’s important for his confidence. He’s a young player, but for me age is just a number. I believe in players based on their quality and personality.
“Saheed has the ability and quality to improve. We have to keep watching him, analysing his performances and working with him, and maybe in the future he can become a first-team player.”
On three wins from four
“We worked very hard during pre-season and I think we only lost one game, so it’s important to create a winning dynamic within the team and build a good team spirit. The team is organised and we’re always trying to win.
“In the Championship we’re fighting for three points and tonight we were fighting to get through to the next round. The most important thing is that the players are committed. They’re working very, very hard to do the things I ask of them and they’re trying to win every game.
“But thank you again to our supporters because it’s very important that they support these players because they’ve worked very well from the first moment I arrived at the club. I can feel all the time that they want to improve and they want to win. They want to show their quality because I think they have much more quality than they showed last season.
“They have more capacity than they showed before and I think the players believe in what we’re doing. Winning helps us improve the team more quickly and naturally the confidence becomes higher when you win. But, like I’ve said, there’s still a lot of work to do and a lot to improve. The season has only just started and there are a lot of games ahead. We have to stay focused, keep our feet on the ground, stay humble and work hard to win the next game on Saturday.”
Great support tonight at Hillsborough! 🧡 pic.twitter.com/PYXn2YuBVT
— Wolves (@Wolves) August 25, 2026
On having options in the squad
“Tommy [Doyle] did a great job, and from the first moment I’ve been here, he’s worked very hard and played very hard. He’s a great guy and an important player within the group. He’s clever and understands what I want from him all the time. For me, he’s an important player.
“Jordan [James] needs minutes. He needs time with the team to understand our ideas and his teammates, but he also needs those minutes in his legs to build his match rhythm. That’s very important for him during these first few weeks. I thought he did a great job as well.”
On the schedule getting more intense
“I’m ready. We know how to manage the situation and we have staff with a lot of quality who help the players recover as quickly as possible. We have everything organised with the technical staff and we’ll always try to put out the best team and the best players to make sure we’re competitive in every game and can fight for the three points.
“Saturday is very important because it’s our next game and we’re back at home. We want to win at home and make our supporters happy. It’s important that we make our home a real strength for us throughout the season, together with our supporters.”
