My God, I Am Being Entertained! - Notes for Wolverhampton Wanderers Monday, 15th Aug 2016 10:00 by HarryFromBath HarryfromBath assesses the mood in the opposition camp ahead of Tuesday evening’s game at Molineux by delving into their forums. “What a nice feeling to come home with a lovely sense of pride after a match. It’s a long time since that happened”, “The signs are very encouraging for the season”, “It’s so good to see Wolves fans smiling again. It has been a long wait”, “Winning and entertaining. This is starting to feel good.” “There has not been anything as exciting as this since Mick left.” Wolves go into Tuesday’s game with their tails up after winning two and drawing one of their three opening fixtures. Fans have been heartened by the team’s commitment to attacking football, in marked contrast to recent seasons. “Very early days, but such a refreshing change from the ‘must not lose’ managers”, “Those mind-numbing, sterile, hopeless and boring displays of last season will soon feel like a distant memory”, “The difference between last season and this one is immeasurable. I’m just enjoying the moment.” Walter Zenga“The handbrake has been taken off and Walter has his foot on the accelerator”, “It’s so great to have a manager whose first thought is an attacking one”, “A properly passionate manager who seems to know what to do in order to turn games around”, “The right man in the right place at the right time.”  “The Zenga bus is coming.” The 56-year-old former Inter Milan keeper was appointed manager two weeks ago and this news was greeted with a mixture of suspicion and hostility by supporters. Three games into the new campaign and they have embraced his passion and his positive tactics. “Play for the badge on the front, not the name on the back”, “The ball is never out of play, the game is never finished.” Some of his comments have been warmly welcomed, notably a remark that “the players refused to lose” after his 10-man Wolves side fought back to claim a draw at Rotherham. “All hail Walter. He has done better than I would have thought”, “The choice at first bemused me but now seems inspired”, “I’m puzzled by the appointment but it’s not bad”, “He has shown more tactical nous in three games than Kenny Jackett did all of last season”, “It’s hard not to like him.” Three New Signings“Helder Costa, Joao Teixeira and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson are pulling the strings now and the shackles have been taken off the side with some quality play”, “At least the new signings seem to know the way we are attacking”, “These three signings are pointing the direction which we are going.” “The new boys aside this team is nowhere near good enough. We need reinforcements fast.” The three new players to arrive in the last fortnight have been seen as a marked upgrade in the rest of the squad. They are seen as a statement of intent by new Chinese owners Fosun International. Fans have been heartened by the immediate impact they have made since arriving but they are urging patience from fellow Wanderers. “The three signings have been our best players but they have had a short pre-season and are being brought up to match fitness. This is a learning process.” A Definite Pattern to Our Play“Zenga has the team playing in a good style and there is a definite pattern to our play”, “A narrow 4-3-3 which at times shifts into a diamond when we were not in possession”, “We moved up and down the pitch against Reading like a complete unit, just like the aliens in the Space Invaders game.” “Zenga is simply sussing out everyone and everything at the moment. He’s getting to know who are first-team players, who are squad players and who can leave.” The Italian has wasted no time looking at the squad he has inherited, trying different combinations and using players in unfamiliar roles. IkemeCoadyIorfaBatthDohertyEvansEdwardsSavilleMasonBodvarssonTeixeira
The starting XI for Saturday’s Reading game (above) was Zenga’s third mix-and-match, and saw him continue the experiment of playing midfielder Conor Coady at right-back. Dominic Iorfa was moved to centre-half and Teixeira was pushed further forward, having played at the left of the midfield trio. LonerganCoadyBatthHauseDohertyEvansPriceTeixeiraWallaceMasonHenry
Zenga looked at new keeper Andy Lonergan in Wolves’ Crawley EFL Cup side (above) last Tuesday. Jed Wallace and Karl Henry bracketed Joe Mason in attack, having previously flanked Bodvarsson in the season opener at Rotherham. Jack Price also made his debut having missed the Millers game. “It was clear what the game plan was against Reading, press, press and press some more”, “The pace and tempo were impressive”, “We pressed Reading so high that they were constantly forced into passing across their own defence and back to the keeper. It forced so many errors it was unreal.” “Our front three worked very hard”, “It’s like chalk and cheese to last year.” The manager is working on a high octane pressing game coupled with a disciplined shape and an emphasis on attacking play. However, fans were also concerned about the side dropping deep late in Saturday’s Reading game. The “suspect defence” is the one remaining area which needs reinforcement. “We just don’t have a solid defensive look at the moment and I fear we will leak goals”, “We need an experienced centre-back to help our defence. They are all youngsters”, “We are all over the place at times at the back.” Wolves 2 — 0 Reading“How enjoyable was that? A Wolves side that were comfortable on the ball, pressed well all over the pitch, created chances and passed with precision and purpose”, “The best game I have been to for 12 months, I loved it”, “Blimey, a good tempo, hard work, pressing and entertaining football.” Having had the lion’s share of chances in the first half, Wanderers took the lead when left-back Matt Doherty cut inside in the Royals’ penalty area and rifled home three minutes before the interval. The lead was doubled two minutes after the break when Joe Mason headed in a George Saville corner. The video highlights show examples of the pressing game they used to harass their visitors. “Reading spent a huge amount of time passing between the back four and their keeper as they kept getting closed down by our front three. They ended up putting the ball out of play because of mistakes.” “We were head and shoulders above Reading today”, “It was a thoroughly dominant performance by Wolves, high in commitment, skill, quality and goalscoring opportunities. What is more remarkable is that this was achieved using the same personnel as our dismal last season”, “It was comfortable.” Wolves 2 — 1 Crawley (EFL Cup)“Bloody hell, this is as dull as ditchwater”, “This team sounds about as exciting as a beach holiday in Rhyl.” In contrast to their Reading triumph, last Tuesday’s pragmatic EFL Cup win was achieved by a side who several described as “disjointed”, “Crawley tried to make life very uncomfortable for us.” The hosts took the lead on seven minutes when Joe Mason turned in a rebound after Jed Wallace hit the post on the break. Enzio Boldewijn headed an equaliser for from a corner six minutes later. The winner came from Coady on 76 minutes when he glanced Bodvarsson's headed knockdown home. “A banana skin well and truly avoided. Sometimes lower league opposition can be hard to play against. They know their limitations and will stop you from winning rather than trying to win the game themselves”, “It was a promising game but we are still far from where we want to be.” Rotherham 2 — 2 Wolves“Entertainment is back!” “I don’t think we would have mounted a comeback like that last season”, “The first half was utterly abysmal, we have no movement of creativity at all. It was last season all over again, but the second was a totally different team, a great performance”, “it’s not boring.” “That was a rollercoaster game and few will complain of boredom.” In an eventful season opener at the New York Stadium, Millers’ Danny Ward opened the scoring on nine minutes heading home from a corner and Will Vaulks doubled Rotherham’s advantage with a powerful strike 11 minutes later. The turning point in the game when an alert Saville latched on to a through ball to pull a goal back for Wolves on 39 minutes. Right-back Iorfa was then sent off on 52 for pulling back the Millers’ Jon Taylor, but Bodvarsson grabbed an equaliser for the visitors with a fine angled strike on 65 minutes. IkemeIorfaBatthHauseDohertyEdwardsEvansSavilleWallaceBodvarssonHenry
“Rotherham are completely dominant in possession. If we don’t get it together we could easily get thrashed.” Many fans criticised the manner in which the starting XI (above) began the game, but Zenga kept reworking the shape of the team, making six tactical alterations during the contest. IkemeIorfa (sent off)BatthHauseDohertyEvansEdwardsSavilleMasonBodvarssonTeixeira
The side that closed out the game (above) has played as a 4-4-1-1 with Henry behind Bodvarsson and then as a 4-4-2 before Iorfa’s dismissal. Zenga had then tried variants of a 3-4-2 when reduced to 10 men before fixing on the 4-3-2 shape which struck the right balance and helped rescue a point. The game highlighted the contrast between the old and new players. “I would replace every single player who was at Wolves last season”, “If this is the class of signings, then the future is very bright”, “An excellent result in the end, but we need new players”, “The empire will not be built in a week.” Goalkeepers and Defenders“Carl Ikeme has started claiming the ball from corners which is great to see.” Walter Zenga played in goal for Italy in the 1990 World Cup quarter-final against Mick McCarthy’s Republic of Ireland team and many are hoping that 30-year-old glovesman Ikeme will benefit from his manager’s experience.  “It has been particularly noticeable that Ikeme has been looking to throw rather than kick compared to last season, Zenga’s influence no doubt”, “Ikeme’s form has not been the best, but he has had to deal with the instability of the defence in front of him. He’s one of the best keepers in the division.” “It seems strange to think that Dominic Iorfa is playing in his natural position against Reading, such has been his assurance at right-back.” The 21-year-old Southend and Wolves youth product played at centre-back against the Royals. “He did well, used his pace occasionally and was strong and solid.” “Iorfa made one superb run out of defence, where he beat three challenges with ease”, “It’s nice to have the reassurance of speed in a centre-back”, “There was one moment when he got himself out of trouble after being caught in possession”, “He looks such a monster and has continued to grow.” “It was nice to see Danny Batth playing well and acting like a captain, giving rollickings when they were needed.” The 25-year-old youth product “was very good against Reading and especially at left centre-back. He marshalled the back four well and was talking to players throughout the game.” “Batth caused Crawley problems at set-pieces. He met one of Price’s corners and headed it down in their box and there was chaos”, “He wins his fair share of headers and does the simple things well. He offers the team much needed no-nonsense defending, but is not a ball-playing centre-back.”  “A good player but with a lot to learn”, “There is definitely a good player in Kortney Hause but the occasional lapse in judgement is understandable for one so young. We won’t see the best of him for a few years”, “He shows some promise but also can fail to do the basics of defending at times.” “Hause looked clumsy in possession against Crawley and was a bag of nerves.” The 21-year-old ex-Wycombe centre-half was dropped for Saturday’s win over the Royals. “He covers so much ground at the back and steps out of defence with confidence, but needs an experienced player next to him.” “I wouldn’t be surprise if Conor Coady gets a lot more game time at right-back.” The 23-year-old former Terrier “did well in one-v-ones and bombed away up and down the right wing all game. Being a midfielder, he was happy to take his time when in crossing positions and is growing into the role”. Coady has won fans’ confidence in the role after an initial cautious response. “He played Matt Doherty“Doherty put in a great performance after an under par start to the season. He looks at home now at left-back and he cuts inside on to his stronger right foot with great effect, as we saw with his terrific opening goal against Reading.” The 24-year-old “smashed home a glorious unstoppable screamer.”  The former Bohemians youth player switched from playing at right-back. “When he struggles, he is nowhere near as effective going forward and looks awkward”, “He can slow down attacks by having to work the ball to his right foot. He seems more reluctant than last season to get forward at times.” Central Midfielders“Zenga will love David Edwards because of his attitude and work rate.” The 30-year-old ex-Luton man “showed up here, there and everywhere against Reading to snuffle possession and start attacks”, “He was in the right spot on several occasions to intercept the ball and make a nuisance of himself.”  Some fans wonder if Zenga will tire of a player many consider a water carrier. “If Edwards starts to be anonymous in games, I would hope Zenga has the intelligence to drop him”, “He does not have the passing range or tenacity to influence a game from deep. The Rotherham game passed him by.” “Jack Price is an extremely consistent player who does the simple things well and who is very much underrated.” The 23-year-old youth product “is a cracking little player. He gave as neat and tidy a display as you would expect against Crawley, moving the ball at pace and carrying it with purpose.” “Price put in a great performance and kept us ticking over. He played some great balls and who knew he was a set-piece specialist?”, “Some of his set pieces caused some havoc”, “He kept talking to the new players and is a natural leader. He will get better with better players around him.” “Don’t be fooled by George Saville’s goal at Rotherham. In the first half he was shocking. He gave the ball away in the build-up to both their goals and struggled to get in the game”, “Please get him off”, “He moved out of midfield in the second half which allowed us to play without him ruining things.” The 23-year-old ex-Chelsea youth player redeemed himself against Reading. “Saville was definitely the pick of the midfield three”, “He was excellent and one lovely tackle in the second half summed up his game”, “He put his foot in when needed and drove at players with tenacity and purpose.” Lee Evans“It would appear that Zenga has earmarked Evans for the deep playmaker role, sitting in front of the defence and getting the ball moving. It will be interesting to see how that develops”, “He has looked excellent and has the potential to be terrific in a side with movement around and in front of him.” “A non-stop bundle of energy who covers plenty of ground.” The 22-year-old ex-Newport man is the only midfielder to have fully played all three games. “Evans is good enough but will be found out by better teams, leaving players unmarked”, “His play is more fluid than Price but is not as consistent” Creative and Wide Midfielders“I don’t think James Henry will be involved much this season.” The 27-year-old ex-Millwall winger “was useless, couldn’t beat his man, no pace, poor energy and little skill. He looked a level below Crawley to be blunt”, “If we want to play 4-3-3 he needs to go ASAP”, “He seems like a man on his way.”  “The fact that Zenga substituted Henry early at Rotherham suggests he’s not impressed with him. He was diabolical there and will be one of the first out of the door”, “He was ineffective playing on the left, often drifting infield on to his favoured right foot rather than getting it down to the byline.” “Jed Wallace is a busy player and he does alright but he really needs to move infield.” The 22-year-old former Portsmouth attacking midfielder “was unlucky to be taken off against Crawley. He made one pivotal run and shot for the opening goal and he got up and down the right flank very well.” “Lively, strong and aggressive”, “The Crawley game was the best that Wallace has performed since joining. It was fast, direct wing play, notably when creating the opening goals and he added to this with a succession of decent crosses”, “He has never really had a run of games to establish himself.” “We will probably see Helder Costa play against Ipswich on Tuesday. He was a class act against Crawley.” The 22-year-old Benfica loan signing has made two substitute appearances as he builds fitness, but these have whetted fans’ appetites. “An abundance of talent and will be fun to watch.” “Lovely jinking run by Costa”, “All step-overs as he heads for the byline”, “He seems to be the real deal and links-up well with Bodvarsson”, “I liked what I saw. He has quick feet and a nice change of pace. He played on the right but looks very left footed, so dragged the ball infield to good effect.” Joao Teixeira“Teixeira, what a player”, “A midfielder who can pass through the middle”, “Our performance went up a couple of gears at Rotherham when he came on, and that was with 10 men”, “A great mix of skill and creativity as well as a grasp of the physical elements of the game”, “One hell of a player.” The 22-year-old Benfica loan signing “plays on a different level to everyone else. He’s technically excellent, reads the game beautifully, passes the ball precisely and is not afraid to get stuck in. Build the team around this guy”, “The boy is lightweight and small but has a fantastic footballing mind.” “Teixeira switched between his right and left foot and took out the entire Reading defence. I loved it”, “He’s bloody lovely. I think he can do wonders for us.” There is, however, one chink in his armour. “He weaves his magic again but shoots off target again”, “Long range shots are not really his forte.” Strikers“Joe Mason is anonymous on his own but improved when Bodvarsson played alongside him against Crawley.” Many feel that the 25-year-old ex-Cardiff striker is at his best with a partner. “He looks much better when playing in the hole as a number 10”, “He works incredibly hard closing down.”  “That will do his confidence the world of good.” Wolves are happy to see him finding the net. “Two goals in two games now, a great start to the season”, “We need to give Mason credit. When he came on at Rotherham and played beside Bodvarsson, it brought out the best in our new Icelandic man.” Jon Dadi Bodvarsson (Bod)“Our Icelandic Steve Bull looks a player”, “We were treated to a proper Icelandic clap at the end of the Rotherham game”, “I did join in but with Bod starting it, you had to”, “He is being compared to Derek Dougan now, big, strong and quick, a real fans favourite”, “Bod could become a cult hero.” The 24-year-old arrival from Kaiserslautern “will be a real handful for defenders in this league”, “He’s not just a target man either”, “He’s strong and powerful but also quite agile and skilful. He will really suit English football”, “Plenty of running, picking up intelligent spaces and bringing others into play.” “Long live the new Icelandic king!”, “I really like the look of him. He’s good in the air, quick and he doesn’t let defenders rest”, “He defends from the front by closing down, giving defenders something to think about by taking them on”, “An absolute Trojan up front”, “The Iceman looks a handful.” Wolves’ Supporters thoughts on ITFC and the Game“Bring it on, Mick”, “I fancy us to put one over on our old mucker Mick. He will have them fired up after their no show on Saturday”, “Please let us put one over on Big Nose”, “Ipswich should be a good scrap. I hope we can edge it off the back of an inspired win over Reading.” With 70 per cent of Wolves predicting a home win and a mere five per cent say Town will win, the mood is extremely confident. One quarter of home fans expect their side to score at least three goals. Most, however, see Tuesday’s game being be a true benchmark of their early progress. “We will find out more about ourselves against Ipswich”, “They will be a much stiffer challenge on Tuesday”, “I’m expecting Mick’s Ipswich to be a tougher nut to crack. It will be interesting to see if we can maintain or even surpass the standards we have set against Reading.” “I’m looking forward to Ipswich. I hope to God this start isn’t a flash in the pan but we have all seen that these players can play well for a full game”, “I also expect this to be a far tougher game than Reading. It should tell us a lot more about how far we have come on since the start of the season.” “I am loving the positivity, but I reckon we will find it tough against Mick”, “It will be much tougher against a more physical and direct Ipswich”, “They will be set up to hold us off with no intentions of scoring”, “A hard game. Ipswich will come to clog. Let's see how Teixeira deals with a good kicking.” “Things aren't exactly rosy at Portman Road right now. They have had an indifferent start to the season. A 4-2 win against a Barnsley side that will be fighting against relegation was followed by a home defeat to Stevenage. We all know how much Mick loves cup matches.” Some home fans have been doing their research. “If TWTD is anything to go by, they had a dreadful performance at Brentford yesterday. I imagine that Ipswich will try to stay compact and difficult to break down. They will probably offer a more physical challenge than our previous opponents too.” “Teixeira’s technical ability should be too much for the usual wooden Mick footballers to cope with, but I expect the man from County Barnsley will target him thinking that he won't like being roughed up”, “Let's hope the ref has his glasses on when Berra hauls Bod down for the 10th time in the box.” WebsitesThe busiest Wolves message board is Molineux Mix.
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