Rob Edwards says it’s important that Wolves don’t let their Emirates FA Cup exit at the hands of Liverpool dampen the positivity which has grown at Molineux in recent weeks.
The Old Gold couldn’t repeat their exploits from Tuesday night three days later, as the Reds were too strong and booked their place in the last eight, but Edwards held up his hands at full-time, knowing the better team had won.
The head coach then quickly turned his attention to the Premier League and insists the positive perception his group now have must be maintained during eight important league games to finish the campaign.
On his side’s cup exit
“I thought we saw the best version of Liverpool tonight – credit where it’s due, they deserved it, they were better. We gave everything but couldn’t find a way, whether it was a counter attack, trying to go through them or get in behind them, it was really difficult to put a dent on them.
“Even at 1-0 down we were still in the game, but the timing of the second goal straight from kick-off was a killer and that was frustrating for us, that was the one thing I’m really annoyed about, because anything could have happened in those later stages. But I thought they were outstanding, I can’t fault our players, but they were at a very high level tonight.
“They’ve got world class players in every position, but could we have pulled the trigger a bit earlier? Crossed it a bit earlier? Asked them to defend more? Of course. The players out there are making the decisions and they’re trying to do the right thing – sometimes you don’t, sometimes you do.”
On changing perceptions
“What they’ve done over the last few weeks with the results is they’ve given some belief. It’s changed everyone’s thinking and perception of us, and now we know we’ve got eight games left, eight cup finals, so let’s try and take this as far as we can.
“We’ll have a few days to rest now and then we’ve got to try and attack Brentford. I don’t think we should dampen our spirits too much because of tonight. We all wanted to try and go through, but we weren’t able to do it because Liverpool were excellent.”
On using the newfound belief
“It’ll be the same message – we want to continue to improve. We’ve been finding quite a good way about it at the moment, where we’re relatively solid, but were able to create. We look better with the ball, and all aspects of our game are improving. It’s consistency, it’s belief, and it’s continuing off what has been a positive few months for us from where we were.
“I don’t think loads needs to change, and tonight we’ll learn certain bits, but I don’t want it to shape anyone’s thoughts on our season. Focus on the league and attack the next game, and that’s what we’ll do. There’s a belief that we can win the next game, and we know how difficult that will be because Brentford have been brilliant this season.
“It’s been a really busy period for us, and the lads have given a lot. They’ve began to get some hope, and get everyone back on side, so there’s a different feel around the place. Just because we’ve lost against a brilliant team, it shouldn’t dampen our spirits. We’ve got to come back rejuvenated, ready to go.”
On a period without games
“I think we are building some momentum, but because we’ve got a short squad, it’s not a bad thing at all. Everyone deserves a couple of days rest and then we can come in and attack that game. As I’ve maintained all along, we’ll fight until the end of the eight games. The lads are showing that spirit and that’s all we can do.”
