Matheus Cunha believes Wolves’ stunning late fightback against Brighton & Hove Albion, in which he dispatched the equalising goal, will be the turning point in a difficult season for the Old Gold.
Heading into the 10th game of the season against Crystal Palace at Molineux on Saturday evening with just two points, the Brazilian striker feels the fixture calendar has not helped Wolves’ opening to the current campaign, but with what appears to be a more favourable run of fixtures ahead, he has full confidence that the team will begin to rack up more and more points to ease the pressure.
On fighting back against Brighton
“Tommy [Doyle] was so excited after the game. I think it was his first start in the Premier League this season, and to finish the game with this unbelievable reaction, to win the ball and give the assist, I felt he was very happy, of course. It was not like the three points that we wanted to take, but this one point against Brighton was like a win.
“This point is showing us that we have the capacity to keep fighting and have results in the end. I hope this will be the start and the next game will be the key to changing every single thing that we want to arrive in the season.”
On staying positive despite difficulty start
“Football is like other jobs. Of course, you have little bit more emotions between the games, and our weekend is tough knowing you need to get the results, and if not, all the pressure will come to you. But I think the more time you are in the football, the more you can manage this.
“Right now, we know the situation we are in, but I think we are calm. We know the solution of the problems is to keep working and keep our belief, and if we keep doing these kinds of things which are very good in training, then, of course, I think the results will come.”
On facing Palace this weekend
“For me, this is the most crucial point in the season. Of course, Crystal Palace is also a very good team, but they’ve started the season like us, and we need to be very careful, because they come here with a little bit more power because they won the last game, a very important game also against Tottenham.
“But for both teams, it will be very important, and hopefully it will be the key to changing every single thing, because the games that are coming are more face to face, and then I hope we have more celebrations.”
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On the upcoming run of fixtures
“Honestly, I don't feel like it was the season we were expecting, but we know the beginning of the season would be very hard for us. We have only had very tough opponents right now, although of course, every single game will be very tough in the Premier League.
“But we’ve only played against teams that are at the front of the table, so right now, I hope we can start by winning the next game and this will be like the key of the season to change everything.
“When you look at the situation, we know that come one win, we will get more wins, and then we can feel happier. But, without doubt, this one point felt like something more. It showed that we need to believe more and that we can fight to the end, and then maybe in the end more points will come.”
On his relationship with O’Neil
“For me, he’s one of the best managers that I’ve had in my career. He’s improved me a lot, not only as a player, but he’s improved me to be calm and manage situations. I can be frustrating and I feel like he can always help me in the every single point of being a human, a player and a man.
“I have a very good relationship with him and I'm so grateful with every single thing that we’ve built together. We are all a little bit said because we’ve not got the points we wanted and because we really want to give everything to the club and the results haven’t been coming, but we need to keep working.
“Gary is the kind of coach that it's easier to believe in because he shows you the things, and when the results will come back again, then the fans will believe a little bit more and more. I hope, as soon as possible, we will change it and keep showing everyone that we have very good staff, a very good group, and manage to go forward.”
On taking the number 10 shirt
“It’s a number which means a lot to me. I never think about be comparing with my idols who also wore this number, like Ronaldinho and Neymar – a lot of unbelievable plays wore number 10.
“I only want to do my work, to do my job well, and then maybe I will keep in the in the mind of the Wolves fans, and that's all my goal is right now.”
