Rob Edwards: “Non‑negotiables” set the tone as Wolves face Liverpool again in the FA Cup
Wolves are back at it against Liverpool for the second time this week, this time in the FA Cup. In his press conference, head coach Rob Edwards struck a confident but realistic tone. He praised recent momentum, pointed to a clear rise in effort and intensity, and warned that Liverpool will come back stronger.
Recent results have lifted the mood, but margins are still fine
Edwards said the last few weeks have brought “rewards with points,” but he does not want anyone getting carried away.
He reminded everyone that the recent wins and tight games could easily have swung the other way. Against Liverpool in the league, he felt Wolves did well to limit big chances, even if Liverpool “dominated large parts.”
The message was clear: Wolves have improved, but they still need another big performance to get through.
The “non‑negotiables” are now driving Wolves’ competitiveness
Asked what has changed, Edwards went straight to the basics. He said Wolves now have a “bare minimum” and “non‑negotiables,” led by:
- Work ethic
- Sprint recoveries
- Duels
- Overall running and speed
He stressed that these are the parts players can always control, even on nights when touch or passing is not perfect. That is a big reason, in his view, why Wolves have been “a lot more competitive” over the last 15 games.
He also admitted there is still a gap between where Wolves are and where he wants them to be with the ball. But the baseline effort is finally consistent.
Expect Liverpool to improve, and Wolves must be ready
Edwards expects Liverpool to respond. He does not anticipate major tactical changes, but he does expect them to execute better and faster.
Reviewing the last match, he felt Wolves had good moments in the first half, especially without the ball, but lacked threat when they broke forward. In the second half, as the game opened up, Wolves looked more dangerous, and he highlighted the impact of the substitutes.
Rotation? Edwards refuses to “prioritise” one competition
Edwards made his approach pretty simple: the next match is always the biggest one.
He said Tuesday night was the most important game at that moment, and now the cup tie is the most important. He will pick the team he thinks can win the game, with full respect for the challenge Liverpool bring.
Fitness wise, he said Wolves are in a “good spot” and most players are available, with one key issue noted: Andre is suspended.
Belief is growing, inside the squad and in the stands
Edwards said Wolves must go into every match believing they can win, and recent performances show they can compete with anyone.
He also said he does not pay attention to “outside noise,” but he has felt a shift around the club. The supporters have had more to celebrate, and he praised them for sticking with the team during a difficult period earlier on.
Now, with players clearly “giving everything,” he sees the connection building between the team and the crowd.
Individual moments matter too
Edwards also took time to highlight a few positive stories from the last game:
- “Doc” reaching 500 appearances, praised for longevity and hard work
- Rodrigo making a strong impact off the bench, calling him “a weapon” as games open up
- Andre getting a reward (with a bit of luck), while being described as “a brilliant footballer”
“Enjoy it for 20 minutes,” then it is back to work
Edwards acknowledged the emotional lift of a late winner, but said it turns quickly. Enjoy the moment, then reset. Liverpool will not forget what happened, and Wolves cannot either.
He summed it up best by pointing to the reality of the night ahead: Wolves will likely need to work “extremely hard,” match Liverpool’s running power, and maybe ride their luck again.
SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS
Edwards confirmed they have no new injury concerns following their match midweek, with just Andre set to miss out because of two bookings in previous rounds.
After taking seven points from three league games against teams in the top six, the Wolves boss said it has taken “a lot of hard work” but it is “nice to have some rewards in points” and his side “deserve a lot of credit for competing with the top teams”.
On the character being shown by the players: “We have a bare minimum – our non-negotiables. Sprint recoveries, work ethic, duels. The sprint effort is now night and day. We are in control of those things. We can’t always promise we will be great with the ball, we might make mistakes, but what we can control is how hard you run and work. That stuff is why over the past 15 games or so we have been more competitive.”
Playing Liverpool for the second time in the space of four days, Edwards knows the “scale of the task” and they have to “respect” the Reds as a team: “They will want to get the win and want to prove they are better after Tuesday night, but we have to try to make them relive it.”
On squad rotation for the FA Cup tie: “We made some changes knowing what was coming up… It is hard to prioritise one game or the other. Now Friday is the most important game of our season. Tuesday was the most important of our season at that moment. So it is really difficult and about picking a team to win a game of football.”
Edwards insisted the players are ready for the “big challenge” of the quick turnaround in matches, as it is “not hard to get up for Liverpool in the FA Cup fifth round under the lights at Molineux”.
On staying in matches until the hour and then making changes: “Against some teams we have conceded early and made it challenging. We don’t want to give teams a helping hand. We have to be in it but not to be seen as negative. If we have a platform build off then there is the pressure on the other team as they have to beat Wolves.”