Wolves v Liverpool: Rob Edwards Backs Fully Fit Squad to Compete
Rob Edwards arrived for his pre match press conference smiling, and not just because Wolves beat Aston Villa on Friday night.
The head coach joked he was fine after the celebrations, including a sore calf and foot from “losing himself for a moment”. He called it a reminder of what football can do to you, and why those moments matter.
“A big moment for the whole club”
Edwards said Friday’s win was one of the highlights of his short time at Wolves.
He has only been in the job for “three good months”, and he admitted there have not been many moments to shout about. But he felt the Villa game was different because it meant so much to supporters.
He said this is why he came to the club, to share nights like that with the fans.
Performance plus results is what changes belief
Edwards repeated a theme he has pushed since arriving.
He wants Wolves to “perform, compete, show, and give everything”. But he also knows people judge you on results.
That is why the Villa win mattered. It backed up what he has been saying, and it gave the squad proof that their work is improving.
He said the change in how hard the players are working is “stark” compared to when he first came in. He sees clear progress, even if there is still a long way to go.
Wolves are building a clear identity again
Asked about Wolves’ identity, Edwards said his teams have always had certain traits.
They give everything. They stay organised. They show fight. They have solidity.
He pointed to his previous jobs and said this group is now showing the same things. He believes you can see it on the pitch.
Praise for “wonderful player” Joao Gomes after stepping up
Edwards singled out Joao Gomes, who scored and earned man of the match praise on Friday.
He confirmed he spoke to Gomes before the game and put expectation on him. He said the player “really responded”.
Edwards understands it can be hard for a player after a big move when the team is not winning. Confidence can dip and doubts can creep in.
But he said Friday is the level Gomes must now hit “all of the time”, because it will only help him going forward.
Liverpool twice, and no time to enjoy it for long
Wolves face Liverpool twice in a week, and Edwards called them “another giant of a football club” packed with top players.
He said Wolves have shown they can compete in the Premier League, and that on the day anyone can give anyone a game. But he also stressed this is a different challenge to Friday night, and even different to the last time Wolves played Liverpool.
His message was simple: Wolves will need everything they had against Villa, and more.
Liverpool’s form is back, and Edwards expects the best version
Edwards said Liverpool are winning again, and that is what good teams do, even when they are not perfect.
He noted they have had “a lot going on” at the club, plus change and new players, so it cannot always be smooth.
But as the season moves into the decisive stage, big teams get stronger. Every match becomes about winning, whether that is for trophies or Champions League places.
He expects Wolves will face the best of Liverpool over the next two games.
“We’re not tired. We’re ready.”
Edwards was asked about fatigue after an emotional Friday night and a busy month.
He said tiredness is also a mindset issue. After a win, it is easier to feel ready to go again.
February has been heavy, with “six games in 20 days”, but he believes the group has recovered well.
On managing the load, he said recovery is normal, and staff try to balance time on the grass with meetings and individual work.
A rare boost: a fully fit squad
Edwards confirmed Wolves are fully fit, which he called a major positive at this stage of the season.
He also confirmed Hwang is available too.
What does “realistic success” look like in the final nine games?
Edwards has often used the word “realistic”, and he kept it consistent here.
For him, success is:
- Keep improving
- Keep giving their best
- Pick up as many points as possible
He also said this is a key period for individuals. Players who step up now help the team, and help their own future too.
No full weekend off, but smart recovery
Edwards said the squad did not get a full weekend off.
They had Saturday off from normal work, but still did recovery and individual bits. Wolves were back in on Sunday to start preparing for Liverpool, including watching the Villa game back.
What Edwards loved about the Villa performance
When reviewing Friday, Edwards said there was “a lot to like”, including:
- Players taking on information during the match and reacting to Villa’s changes
- A strong half time adjustment, then improving as the game went on
- Another good second half, which has become a pattern lately
- A real counterattack threat
- Strong set piece defending
- Huge desire to block crosses, stop shots, and get back with the right numbers
- Impact from substitutes
- A clean sheet, two goals, and a dramatic late winner
He said the team is showing the messages are landing, and the fight is increasing.
A special moment at half time for Wolves Disability teams
Edwards also praised the half time interval featuring Wolves Disability and Villa’s team.
He said his daughter showed him the footage, and called it “really special”, made unforgettable by the supporters getting involved.
How Wolves must start against Liverpool
Edwards expects Liverpool to put Wolves under serious pressure, like they did at Anfield.
He said the beginning of the game is vital. Wolves must be engaged from the first minute, track runners, defend well, and make sure they are in the game.
When Wolves do get the ball, he wants them to be clean and calm with it.
He also believes that if Wolves can stay in the game, they can grow stronger as it goes on, like they did against Villa.
Set pieces and pragmatism: “There’s no right or wrong way”
Asked about the growing focus on set pieces and direct play, Edwards said he respects purists who prefer open play, but he has to be pragmatic.
He said if Wolves could win 10 more games 1 0 with a set piece, he would take it.
He also noted trends across the league:
- More direct play
- More man to man pressing
- More value placed on set plays and long throws
His view is that you must find the style that suits your players and gives you the best chance of winning.
Backing Jackson: bravery going forward, praise for defensive work
Edwards spoke about Jackson (and the contrast between his first half and second half showing).
He said confidence plays a big part. He wants the player to be brave, run at people, and keep trying even if it fails. Edwards said he will still encourage him from the touchline.
He also made a point of highlighting Jackson’s defensive work since he arrived. He called it outstanding, especially in the Premier League where wide players often have to defend against world class attackers, plus overlaps from full backs and midfield runners.
Asked if Jackson’s pace helps defensively, Edwards said yes, but also praised his positioning. If transitions catch him out, his speed helps him recover.
He urged supporters to recognise the defensive side too, and said fans backing players helps because the game is hard enough without extra pressure.
Communication in game: leaders, gestures, and simple rules
Edwards explained how tricky it can be to send tactical messages during a loud match.
Sometimes it depends on who is closest and who can hear him. Wolves are relying more on players near the touchline to pass messages across the pitch.
He also joked the squad is starting to understand his “mad gestures” more.
In training and meetings, staff try to prepare players for different scenarios so they can make decisions on the pitch.
But he also shared a simple principle: if Wolves get it wrong, or the opponent is too good in a moment, then sprint back, help your team mate, reset, and go again.
rob edwards press conference -quick summary
Wolves will face Liverpool with a fully fit squad, as Hwang Hee-chan returns to selection after recovering from a calf strain he picked up against Chelsea in February.
On the West Midlands derby win against Aston Villa on Friday: “I’ve not been here long yet, not had loads to shout about but some good performances and results have been creeping in more and more this calendar year and that was a big moment. Felt it at the whole club, a really nice moment to share with the supporters. I keep banging on that the lads are performing and competing and giving everything but we’re in a business about results and wins so when you do get a win like that, it amplifies what I’m saying and perhaps people believe it a little bit more.”
Joao Gomes scored his first goal of the season in the 2-0 victory at Molineux and Edwards said he “responded” to a chat he had with the midfielder before the game. He added: “I think he’s a wonderful player who’s shown real glimpses. It’s been hard for him in a team that’s struggled to get results and it can be challenging thinking he’s made a big move here so you’re questioning things and I understand it. But he really stepped up the other night. It will only benefit him going forward if he can continue that.”
On Jackson Tchatchoua: “We want the supporters to continue to back him and support him. I told him, they know how quick you are and the quality you have so go, and if it doesn’t come off, go and do it again, and again and I’ll be clapping on the touchline. Also, his defensive work has been outstanding since we arrived and it’s important people recognise that.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot said in his news conference that most Premier League matches are “not a joy to watch” because of the rise in set-pieces, but Edwards believes his side have to see it differently: “We have to be a bit more pragmatic than him. If we could win 10 games now 1-0 with a set-piece, we’d take it.”
On facing Liverpool on the back of playing fourth-placed Villa: “In the Premier League, anyone can give anyone a run for their money on the day and we’re showing that at the moment. But it’s a different game now, we’ve got to be at our best to be able to threaten these teams. They’re the champions, an amazing football club and it’s really exciting for us to face them twice but we know the size of the task as well. Everything we had on Friday, we need and more.”
He continued: “They’re winning games and I think that’s the sign of a good team whether they’re at their best or not. They’ve had a lot going on at the football club, and a lot of change with new players as well. It can’t always be smooth all the time but they’re showing now. Like most big teams, that they’re getting stronger. Every game is about winning for Champions League qualification or trophies but that’s what they’re used to doing. We have to start well against them, it’s really important. From the first minute – engaged and focused and defending very well. But also, the longer the game goes on and we’re in it, the better we get.”