Craig Dawson says the leaders in the Wolves camp are more important than ever, as the Old Gold look to build positive momentum after a first win of the season last time out.
The experienced defender put in a dominant performance against Southampton, which provided the springboard for three points, courtesy of goals from two big character in the dressing room in Pablo Sarabia and Matheus Cunha. The 34-year-old is two matches away from hitting 300 Premier League appearances, and with Wolves knowing they need to build on that Saints win when they head to Fulham on Saturday, they’ll be counting on all of the defender’s know-how once again.
On the importance of leadership
“It's not something I enjoy, it's just something which, over time, with experience, you develop in your game. It probably came to me playing with senior, more experienced players who taught me how to do it, and you just kind of pick it up. It's something which massively helps everyone, including myself.
“Especially the situation we're in now, we all have to stay calm and stay focused on the plan we have and not worry too much. My role is probably more important than ever, to keep everyone focused, keep everyone calm and keep everyone working hard, and the performances will lead to results.
“Hopefully fans see that I like to organise, make sure everyone's switched on and everyone's in the right position, because ultimately if I’m talking and making sure everything else is working well, I keep myself focused and switched on as well. We've got some great leaders in the squad, and it needs us all to chip in with that and organise and help everyone out. That's something which comes with experience, I guess.”
On reflecting on his time at Wolves
“I think some people questioned why I came here, but you could see the quality in the team, you could see the experience of the manager and it was an opportunity I took with both hands and I’ve really, really enjoyed my football since moving here.
“It was tough when I came in because we were in a situation which we shouldn't have been in, but we achieved our goal and last season, up until my injury, for me, it felt like a quite successful season. We were high up in the league and still in the FA Cup. Overall, I think it's been good. Some things we can definitely improve on, but overall, I think it's been really good for me.
“City at home, Spurs home and away, Chelsea away – there were many great games last season where we achieved great things, and with the quality in this group, it’s definitely possible to do, and something we need to do more of now. We need to show that quality and allow people to perform well. Last season showed the level of performance which we can achieve, and which we need to achieve more of this season.”
On turning form around
“The only thing which gets us those results is hard work on the training pitch and hard work in the games and staying together as a team. I think that's massively important, that we all stick together, we all keep fighting and keep working hard.”
