Toti is confident his Wolves side can get their new season off to the best possible start as Port Vale are the visitors to Molineux on Friday night in the first round of the Carabao Cup.
The centre-back – who has worn the captain’s armband alongside Kieran Trippier during the summer’s warm-up matches – has played a key role throughout pre-season under new head coach Cesar Peixoto, stepping into a new defensive system under his compatriot’s leadership.
And has Wolves head into the first game of the 2026/27 season off the back of an impressive win over Spanish side Racing Santander, Toti is encouraging his teammates to continue the momentum the team has built up in pre-season when the Valiants pay a visit to the Black Country later this week.
On ending pre-season with a win
“It was definitely a top performance from the team. We followed the plan from the gaffer and did everything that he wanted.
“Of course, from the first minute we started, it was not very organised, but we were trying to organise everything and sometimes that’s normal, but as soon as we got the clique and everything was going well for us, I think it was a great performance from everybody.
“It was beautiful football. I think everybody was confident as well and like the gaffer said, if you follow the plan, everything is going to go smoother.
“Every player was running and the moment we lose the ball, everybody was running and reacting with the ball. These little moments make the difference.”
On rounding out pre-season at Molineux
“After the game I felt a bit tired, but we’ve been preparing well during the pre-season. We have had a hard pre-season, but because we’ve been training hard, when the moment the games have come, we’ve been more comfortable because we’ve been training hard, so that makes a difference too.”
On the confidence around the squad
“Everyone’s happy and everyone’s confident in what we are doing, but that doesn’t just come from the manager, but all the staff.
“Since the first moment of the pre-season, they have brought some new ideas, and they knew exactly what they wanted us to do. After this, the results have really showed in the pitch.”
On adapting to Peixoto’s style
“It’s been a bit different, but it’s something that you definitely can adapt to quickly. We’ve been training well and we’ve been preparing everything since the first moment in pre-season, so if everybody does everything right, after that, it’s easier to adapt.
“Of course, the games are coming soon and this season there’s going to be more games and we’re going to be playing even more, so you’ve got to adapt. But I’ve been feeling comfortable.”
On facing Port Vale on Friday night
“We definitely want to get off to the best possible start. It’s important to have good results in pre-season so you can have confidence in the players too and you can come better prepared for the first game.
“That’s going to come on Friday, against Port Vale, and there’s nothing better than starting the season by playing at home in front of the fans. They’re definitely going to push a lot for us and hopefully we start the season well with a win.”
