Wolves Seek to Capitalize on Krejci's International Success in Pivotal London Stadium Clash
Wolverhampton Wanderers are preparing for what head coach Rob Edwards describes as a "huge" Premier League encounter against West Ham United at London Stadium tonight. The match carries significant implications for both teams' survival hopes in England's top football division.
International Momentum Provides Boost
Edwards revealed he hopes to "tap into" the recent international success of defender Ladislav Krejci, who captained Czechia and scored crucial goals in both the play-off semi-final and final to secure his nation's qualification for this summer's World Cup tournament.
"That's what I've got to try and tap into," Edwards explained. "Part of all of our jobs is to give people the environment, the support or whatever they need to try and get the best out of them. At the moment now, whatever that is, every individual's got it."
The Wolves manager noted Krejci has returned to club duties with renewed confidence following his international heroics. "He's come back with a real smile on his face, a spring in his step because he's gone and done amazing things for his country. That makes you feel good about yourself," Edwards observed.
Leadership Qualities Emerging
When questioned about Krejci's developing leadership credentials, Edwards offered enthusiastic praise for the defender's professional approach and growing influence.
"I think he's certainly someone that's going in that right direction," Edwards stated. "He's a really good professional. It's amazing for him to be leading his country and stepping up in the way that he did with big moments in big games. It's really impressive and I'm so pleased for him."
The Wolves coach highlighted Krejci's vocal presence on the pitch and in training sessions as evidence of his emerging leadership qualities. "He's a vocal player. You can see the way that he plays and demands of his team-mates, whether that's in training on a daily basis or out on the pitch. There's leadership qualities there," Edwards emphasized.
Squad Fitness and Suspension Concerns
Wolves travel to the capital with a largely fit squad, though backup goalkeeper Sam Johnstone faces a shoulder issue that may have ended his season prematurely. Defender Matt Doherty is managing a minor "niggle" but is expected to recover in time for next week's fixtures.
Three Wolves players - Andre, Joao Gomes, and Yerson Mosquera - are currently sitting on nine yellow cards this season and must avoid receiving another booking tonight to escape a two-match suspension.
Regarding this disciplinary concern, Edwards noted: "It's not a long conversation with them because they've got to be able to play as well. They know the situation, so they have to try and be sensible with it."
Critical Match for Both Sides
Edwards acknowledged the significance of tonight's encounter for both clubs, with Wolves needing three points to maintain any realistic hope of avoiding relegation, while West Ham under manager Nuno Espirito Santo will view the match as equally crucial for their own survival prospects.
"This is a huge game," Edwards declared. "For both teams, it's a really big game. For us, we want to try and take things as far as we can, we want to keep improving, keep the momentum going. We feel we can win, we've shown that recently and that's our mindset."
The Wolves coach added that opposing teams now view matches against his side as must-win encounters. "West Ham will be feeling the same and anyone that plays against Wolves at the moment will be thinking that's a game they have to win," Edwards concluded.
