POST WOLVES QUOTES

Football Scientist, Régis Le Bris, has been analysing his team’s latest win, which leaves SAFC in seventh, with the best home record in the league…

EXPECTED

“I'm really pleased with the first half. It was like expected. We had our game plan, the way to manage their press. We created chances and generated a strong momentum. We scored once, which was positive. But my regret is that we didn't score the second goal. And I think it's normal to expect after this first half a reaction from our opponent. And they did well during the second half, so it was totally different. But we defended together, showed this togetherness again, this ability to suffer together, and get this clean sheet, which is positive. Even if, as a coach, we would like to play the first half a bit longer, like that, to dominate, to be a bit more controlled. But it's obvious that in this league, probably the second half will repeat again [in future]. And if you are strong on this side, I think it's like versatility in different phases, and we need this. It's important.”

FORMATION

“It wasn’t a new option because Trai played as a left-back last season, and probably before that too. Ballard deserved to play, and showed good qualities, especially against a strong striker like Strand Larsen. The balance was positive, and I think this back four showed good qualities. It was important to switch to a back five at the end, and we have different profiles and different options that allow us to do that. That kind of defensive flexibility is important."

SADIKI & ALDERETE

“It was obvious from the training session [on Friday] that they really wanted to play. The energy they showed was really good, and the feeling of the group as a whole was really positive. It was probably a good opportunity during the international break for some of the players to switch their focus and think about something else. Then when you come back, you are happy to be back with your team-mates and to play for Sunderland. They showed that in training and with the way they played in the game.”

In other news, under fire Wolves boss, Vitor Pereira, whose side are bottom of the league and have yet to win a game this season, was less than gracious in defeat…

HUMBLE PIE

"In my point of view, a poor first half from both teams, my opinion. A lot of throw-ins to talk about. The first half, I need to talk about throw-ins, free kicks, and the time that we waste to do it. I don't see any game. I'm trying to remember what we did in the first half and what Sunderland did. The game was very poor, my opinion. This is my opinion. Second half, for 30 minutes, we changed completely. We play in the in the way that we work every day, doing the movements, creating chances, playing with possession, keeping the ball, not allowing them to play because they create problems with the throw-ins and the free kicks. They create problems [from set plays], of course. This is part of the game, I'm not here to judge.”

MORE MOANING

"We have 30 minutes with quality, three or four chance to score the goal but we miss the chance. This is our problem, because we cannot miss in Premier League, we cannot miss this kind of chance. And the last 15 minutes we stop playing. We start to play long balls and long balls and long balls and we stop playing. It means that the game was a poor game, in my opinion, and they score the second goal. It means in the end of this game, they score two goals. They win the game and we have the chance to score and we didn't. Today, we came with the intention to win the game, but we face a team playing at home. They are in a good moment with spirit, and in the end 2-0 is painful because they didn't play the football to win 2-0 today. But they scored and we missed the chance to score. That's why they won the game and congrats to them."

In other news, despite carrying an injury, Noah Sadiki ran and ran as usual and was delighted with our 2-0 victory… what a player he is.

DESERVED

“We did everything to get the three points and I think we deserved it. Wolves were really good, they brought us difficulties. Fortunately for us, we finished with a clean sheet. I am trying to do my best for the team every week. They give me a lot, especially the staff, the players, the fans and I am trying to give what I can. I’m happy to contribute to the wins. We came back from international duty with a positive vibe after the international break which was important. Now we can look to Chelsea with a clean head, a clear mind and total focus on the game.”

DOMINATED POSSESSION

“We started well and dominated possession. We had clear references, generated momentum, and created chances, but my only regret is that we didn’t score the second goal. When we can dominate the game like we did, it’s really important to get that second goal. If you don’t close the game, you can expect the second half to be completely different. We are still a young team with shared experiences. For us to develop, we need new ones, and at least the mindset and togetherness helped us to keep this clean sheet.”

NORDI

“Nordi has really good energy and is very well connected with our project and our team. He’s a really good player with a specific profile, and with this energy and commitment to go forward, we just have to manage that energy. For me, it’s just a question of the next game. We don’t know what the scenario will be this season. It will be a long, tough journey, but if we can win points early, it’s much better for our confidence.”

Finally, Chris Rigg was a proud young man afterwards.

BUZZING

"I'm buzzing to be fair. It's so good to be in a team where you know everyone's got their backs. For example, if someone lost the ball, I'd know I'd work for them. And the opposite, if I lost the ball, they'd work for me. So just buzzing to be a part of this team and so proud of the team as well."

DREAMS

 “I think it's every boy's dream to be a Premier League player, and not just to be a Premier League player, to be a player that's grown up in this city, this town and what it means for the fans. So, like you say on the pitch, I give it my all for the fans. And yeah, just so proud to finally call myself a Premier League player.”