CRAIG HICKEY GIVES HIS OPINIONS ON WOLVES PRE-SEASON SO FAR
Well its not been the active buying that some supporters wanted and we have seen some big names go….Neves, Moutinho, Traore, Jiminez and there has been other coacing changes, that seems to be the way JLo wants to go. Its not been easy for him, some home truths to the owners on FFP and his future but lets not forget that he got us out of an awful start to last season. So its time to move on and start a new chapter at Wolves.
So far its been a difficult pre-season with the visit to South Korea cancelled, we weren’t the only ones, Celtic and Roma hit the same issue, last minute changes to the schedule which the players seem to have embraced. Results in pre-season are always a double edged sword, for us supporters it’s important to win but from a coach and players point of view its the tactics, fitness, systems and understanding between players. I watched the Porto game and took some positives and concerns, it’s one game but we still have a couple of good run outs to sharpen up.
POSITIVES
Pedro Neto looks sharp and hungry, running at players and getting into good positions. Took his goal well against Porto, arriving at the far post to clip home a cross from Nunes.
Cunha is also looking sharp and skilful, I think its hard to settle in a new country and the toughest league in the world, he will be a better player this season.
Matheus Nunes, showed glimpses of his quality and has settled down in a CM role which was owned by Neves, Nunes is a massive key to us performing better this seaon.
Max Kilman has not let anything affect him regarding the speculation on his future and moves away to Europe. He will be huge for us in defence.
The shape of the team looks better at the moment when we defend, the experience of Doc will help in games when we need to slow other teams down.
The Academy boys are showing some great promise, Fraser and Farmer are names to keep an eye on at the minute.
CONCERNS
Yes, the elephant in the room is a lack of a goalsscorer, everyone wants one. What we dont want to do is rush into a panic buy, some will say Sasa Kalajdzic was just that.
We have history of strikers who dont perform to a pricetag – Frankowski, Robert Taylor, Sami Al Jabir…….you can add a few more. We need to get that right and im sure it will be sorted. Is Silva the answer? Why not play Neto, Silva and Cunha as a front three…with Nunes just behind…..?
Jose Sa, great shot stopper but a few times against Porto my head was in my hands, trying to play out as a sweeper isnt his forte….will a new GK coach help eliminate that or is Bentley the answer?
Porto were a good side and with Celtic up next that is another decent test, we will see more progress with our formations etc. Its probably too early to say but for me it looks to be going in the right direction and I’m a glass half full supporter….. I’m not ready to drink up yet.
ARTICLE BY CRAIG HICKEY
A 53 year old season ticket holder in the Steve Bull stand. Go along with my two young lads who love the Wolves and so far, the positive times. Long may it continue.