Rob Edwards knows that his group have been improving for some time, but admits Friday’s win over Aston Villa has given Compton Park an extra buzz this week.
The Old Gold beat their neighbours at Molineux to turn what has been a series of positive performances in recent weeks into a win and underline the positive work that is going on behind the scenes at the training ground.
It’s Liverpool up next for Wolves, who they face twice in four days, and although aware of the size of the task in hand, starting with Tuesday’s Premier League clash, Edwards is going into the fixture buoyed by the efforts of his group last time out.
On reflecting on the Villa win
“We've not had that long here yet, three and a bit months, but we've not had loads to shout about. We've had some good performances and a few results this calendar year, but that was a big moment, I felt for the whole club, to be honest. It was a really nice moment to share with the supporters, in a game that really mattered to them.
“It's all right me banging on about the lads performing, competing and giving everything. But we're in a business where, really, people only look if you're getting the results. So, when you do get a performance like that and then a win against the team like that, it maybe amplifies a little bit of what I'm saying, and people perhaps will believe it a little bit more. It's great for the feel around the place, but the lads are just getting a bit more confirmation of their performance levels. How much harder they're working now from when we first came in is stark, and the facts are there, it’s really evident. We’ve still got a long way to go, but there has been a lot of improvement made, and that showed it.
“But then quite quickly, you're back on the wheel again, and then you're preparing for two massive games against another giant of a football club and loads of brilliant players again. So, we have to get ready for that.”
On watching Villa back
“There was a lot to like. I like the fact that the players were taking on information during a game and reacting to what Villa were doing, because the best teams are trying to problem solve and cause you problems, and find different positions on the pitch to try and open up spaces. I thought we dealt with a lot of threats very, very well.
“We were able to adjust at half-time, which the players have been really good at, but this was important, to carry out that message. And I thought we improved as the game went on. Quite often, since we've arrived, our second halves have got better, we've got better as the games have gone on, especially in recent games as well, which is good. I think that's showing our fitness has improved and the messages are landing.
“I thought there was some really good football. I thought we looked a real threat on the counter attack. In the main we defended set pieces very well, but there was a huge desire to keep the ball out of our net, and value stopping crosses and blocks and getting back with the right numbers and just doing your job, and doing it well. I love that side of it. To keep a clean sheet and then to score two goals in the manner that we did right at the end was good yet to watch back. Also, the impact from the lads that came on, so there was a lot to like.”
Last Friday night 🇵🇹🎥 pic.twitter.com/IaAHFj4BNf
— Wolves (@Wolves) March 2, 2026
On Tchatchoua growing into the role
“I said to him today, that because they know how quick he is, and the qualities that he has, supporters just want to see him go and be brave. If it doesn't come off, go and do it again. I'll be stood on the touchline clapping and trying to encourage that. I think we saw more of that in the second half, and what he is capable of doing – it was great that he was involved in the goal.
“One thing I will say is he's in the team to defend first and then give us that attacking threat. His defensive work has been outstanding since we've arrived. It's important people don't forget that, because invariably, especially in the Premier League, he’s up against a world class left winger, or more than just a left winger, probably a full-back and a midfielder as well, because of the amount of numbers that teams can get high up, and his defensive work has been great. He's been doing very well with that.”
On facing Liverpool twice in a week
“In the Premier League, anyone on their day can give anyone a run for their money and anyone a game. We are showing that at the moment, but this is a different game now. It’s a different game to when we played them last time, it's a different game to Friday night. To threaten these teams and to compete, we have to be at our best. Liverpool are obviously the current champions, they're an amazing football club, so we know the size of the task – everything that we had on Friday, we're going to need and more.
“They're winning games, and that's a sign of a good team, whether you're at your best or not. They’ve had a lot going on at that football club and some change with new players coming in as well. They're looking strong as the season is getting to the really crucial stage. Every game for them now is about winning, whether it's about Champions League qualification or winning trophies, that's what they're used to doing. We're preparing for the best of them over these next two games, and I'm sure that's what we'll get.”
