Wolves Manager Rob Edwards Issues Passionate Rallying Cry Ahead of Villa Derby
Wolves boss Rob Edwards has emphatically demanded that his players showcase intense passion and commitment as they prepare to host Aston Villa in a pivotal Midlands derby at Molineux. Edwards stressed that the team's performance must visibly demonstrate how much the match matters, aiming to avoid a robotic approach on the pitch.
High Stakes for Both Sides in Premier League Showdown
Currently languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table, Wolves require just two more points to surpass Derby County's record-low total of 11 points, set during the 2007/08 season. Meanwhile, Aston Villa are also under pressure, having secured only one victory in their last five matches. Recent home draws against Everton, Brentford, and Leeds have seen Villa's cushion inside the top five shrink to a mere six points, adding urgency to their quest for a win.
Edwards Praises Villa's Quality and Managerial Excellence
In his pre-match comments, Edwards heaped praise on Aston Villa, describing them as a brilliant team with an amazing manager in Unai Emery. He acknowledged Villa's clear and effective style of play, noting that Wolves have studied key elements of the game to ensure competitiveness. Edwards highlighted the return of Douglas Luiz to Villa, calling him a wonderful footballer, while also mentioning the diverse qualities of players like Kamara, McGinn, and Tielemans.
Edwards emphasized the need for Wolves to replicate the energetic atmosphere from their previous home game against Arsenal, where the second-half performance was marked by brilliant energy. He stated, "We need to try and make it feel like the second half in the last game at home against Arsenal, where we're up against the top team, and the energy around the place was brilliant." He added that this energy must stem from their performance from the very beginning of the match.
Preparing for Villa's Attacking Threats
The Wolves manager also addressed Villa's attacking options, indicating readiness to face either Ollie Watkins or Tammy Abraham. He noted that both players are exceptionally good in their own right, offering different styles but equally devastating potential. Edwards concluded by reiterating the importance of passion in this derby context, aiming to inspire his squad to a crucial result.
