Vitor Pereira says a collective effort was the key in Tuesday’s dramatic comeback over West Ham United, as the Old Gold won for the first time this season.
Jorgen Strand Larsen came off the bench to score two goals and turn the Carabao Cup tie on its head, after the Hammers had led entering the final ten minutes.
Molineux was bouncing when Strand Larsen headed home Jackson Tchatchoua’s cross to send his side into the next round, and Pereira now hopes that feel-good factor can be carried into Premier League action on Saturday afternoon.
On a win Molineux win
“Today, I'm proud of my players and proud of my supporters, because today was a win of character, we showed character, we showed personality, we showed commitment, team spirit, and this is what is fruitful for me.
“We have a good connection [with the fans] because they know that we are hard workers, not only me, but my staff. We suffer together, and we deserved this win for that reason. The connection between us and them is very important. In a small city, we need this connection.”
On responding to falling behind
“It was not fair because in the beginning of the second half we conceded a goal, but after we reacted with a strong reaction, playing good football. In my opinion, it was the best moment of the game from my team, and we conceded the second one in our best moment, the moment that we deserved to score the second goal.
“But we reacted again. We showed the spirit. The starting 11 showed that we are committed. We are competing inside, and everyone tried their best to help the team. After, the subs brought more energy, and I felt that the team wanted to win because they deserved to win the game. It was important for us. We were without scoring and today was a good day.”
On Strand Larsen’s importance
“He is a top player, with the right mentality. He doesn't care if he plays, if he comes from the bench, he’ll go there and try to help the team. He’s a team player, but he has the qualities that can score. Of course, it was not only Strand Larsen, but it was the team, the spirit of the team, and we scored and I'm very, very happy for him.”
On the win giving momentum
“I believe that we can [gain momentum] because I know the work that they are doing every day, day by day in training, and I feel that we have players with character, and I know the quality of our work. I know when we have the true spirit in a team, when you create the spirit, we can win games.
“We can create this energy inside the pitch, outside the pitch, a connection between them and the supporters, and I'm happy. The next game will be important. I hope the supporters come again to help us, because we are a club that is not the top club in the league, but we are a good club, and with organisation and with spirit, we can get results.”
