Wolverhampton Wanderers met with a heartbreaking loss 3-2 against Burnley at Molineux Stadium. Consequently, they stay as the only team yet to win a match in all of England’s top four tiers. Wolves put on a dazzling display full of positives as they returned home. Yet, they were unable to lock down their first win of 2023. Goals by Jorgen Strand Larsen and Marshall Munetsi weren’t enough to turn the tide. The club remains mired in an awful opening to the year.
The contest, which took place on Saturday, had Wolves chasing the game from almost the very start as they went down 2-0 to Burnley inside the first half hour. The home team displayed shocking resolve with equalizing players Strand Larsen and Munetsi in the mix. A late goal gave Burnley all three points. That defeat only ramped up the pressure on first-year head coach Vitor Pereira. Frustrated fans even started chanting “sacked in the morning” before kickoff.
Wolves Face Tough Times
Yet this season, Wolves’ supporters languish in despairing dismay at the plight of their team. Their current team sits at the foot of the men’s Premier League table. Their fans’ mood has understandably soured after nine games without a win. Pereira knew a turnaround was needed, and fast.
“We understand the frustration of the people and supporters. What I must say is if we fight united with them, we can win games and compete and achieve our targets. Without them, it is impossible,” Pereira stated following the game. Here, he highlights the need for solidarity between the players and fans as both sides weather this stormy chapter.
Strand Larsen seemed to agree with these sentiments, citing that the team, quite simply, hadn’t played well enough up to this point this season. “Nothing happened. Sometimes as players you need to accept the fans’ frustrations – you need to listen,” he remarked to Sky Sports. It is a sign of the confidence and expectation now felt by this team — evidenced in that candid admission from the player in question.
A Call for Resilience
Even with the weight of the disappointment of another loss, Pereira is staying positive, knowing his team has everything in their power to bounce back. He thinks that all it would take is winning two or three straight games to turn the momentum back in their favor. “I believe a win can change everything and feel today was the day but in the end, it was not. We must be ready to fight again and need our supporters again,” he asserted.
Pereira’s confidence stems from his observation of the players’ spirit during matches. He complimented their resolve and ability to mobilize. He pointed out that they are litigating to the bitter end, in withering political climate. “If I was a supporter, I feel proud of my team because they worked and showed the spirit, mentality, and ambition to win the game, even losing 2-0,” he added.
This spirit of outreach and connection was clear as players like Strand Larsen paused graciously post-match to connect with all the young fans. Identifying with their frustration, the players’ gestures of appreciation towards supporters who’ve stuck by them throughout this challenging period.
Looking Ahead
Wolves prepare for their upcoming game. Naturally, Pereira knows there’s a lot to do to raise the team’s spirit and create a fighting attitude. What I told them was that today is a day we should mourn but tomorrow we must come back prepared for battle. That’s the mentality of this caucus,” he observed.
The club is well aware that immediate results are necessary to ease tensions among fans and secure their place in the Premier League. Wolves will take each game as an opportunity for atonement. They are looking to use their past efforts to propel them to their first victory of the young season.
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