The intensity of the second half performance offers hope, but there’s plenty of work to do.
Much like last season, Wolves had their best spell in this game after falling behind.
It was a lifeless first half from the boys in old gold and dispiriting in front of the returning Molineux crowd.
A constant inability to deal with balls down the channels of our slow centre halves culminating in the inevitable Saiss foul to gift Celta the lead.
Ahead of them, there was zero attacking threat and little cohesion between midfield and the front three. The wingbacks weren’t punching either and it was all pretty straightforward for the La Liga outfit.
With options on the bench underlining there’s work for Jeff and co to get done, you were wondering how it was going to improve.
The answer was elbow grease.
Maybe Bruno pulled off some tactical masterstroke that was beyond my comprehension, but it just looked like Wolves tried harder.
They were aggressive in the tackle, first to every loose ball and for want of a better expression, got bloody well stuck in.
Celta were swaying on the ropes for a good half hour but the goal just wouldn’t come.
At least Raul Jimenez proved he can still sniff a chance and the Mexican will be disappointed to have prodded one good opportunity wide and another against the post.
Adama forced the keeper into a great save with a battering ram of a shot and dragged a couple of others as Wolves swarmed all over the visitors.
The wingbacks suddenly had space to move into and both caused havoc. Marcal missed a double chance to score and Hoever constantly rampaged forward to great effect.
A string of inevitable substitutions dampened the Wolves tidal wave but all those that came on persevered with the high press, high-intensity approach right to the final whistle.
They’ve got to take that into the Leicester game because the difference between the first half and the second half is the difference between being competitive and getting slapped in the Premier League.
When everyone is hunting the ball down and making life difficult for the opposition, a chronic lack of mobility at the back doesn’t seem so catastrophic.
And at the other end, when you play with speed and purpose, a previously toothless attack can look deadly. The front three were a different beat altogether in that second 45.
Yes, we need that midfield enforcer, another compelling option in attack and at least one of Boly or Mosquera back to tighten up the defence, but regardless of personnel, the team have got to play like they mean it.
Preferably, from the start.
– Playing Adama on the left and Trincao on the right is a tactical blunder, taking the players playing style into consideration. Trincao is a playmaker who almost always goes inside with the ball, while Adama’s speciality is sprinting past the fullback and get crosses inside (Playing him on the left is obviously handicapping him). If Trincao could get used to playing on the left could even become beneficial, as he would get into better shooting positions with his right foot. Trincao did however play some good football today and delivered good corner kicks. The second half was good and Jimenez would on a good day score two goals :=)
Only problem is that Trincao is left footed. However I do agree about Adama on the right and Trincao on the left.
Yes we do need some more quality signings, but remember, somewhere down the line we get back Jonny, Boly, Mosquera, Podence and Neto (unless we sell off a couple of them). Fingers crossed someone recognises that Silva will be absolutely magic in a few years time and makes a solid offer for him.
Agree with all. But the only guy on the planet who can believe the hapless Silva will at an stage become ‘magic ‘ is Mr Shi, and Silva is without doubt his blue eyed wonder boy. So it looks as though we`re stuck with him for a long time yet.
Just a few points on this comment section guys, which I’d like people to take notice of before the season starts, please.
As I said in a post at the end of last season, things nearly always descend into a slanging match with the first reply to a comment. Please consider your words carefully in response to others. If you disagree with someone, that’s fine but if their comment is about football, your comment should be too. Calling someone an idiot (or worse) isn’t conducive to constructive debate.
I’m disappointed that people have said things like ‘I don’t comment anymore because it’s all too negative’. Please do comment, because it’s how we get a cross-section of interesting views and no doubt if you think things aren’t all that bad, a lot of others will agree with you and want to hear your views.
If we all just left our own views and replied respectfully to others, we wouldn’t have a problem. I’ve never felt the need to personally insult anyone on here in over 12 years, so I don’t understand why anyone else does.
Finally, for those of you that have commented using different names (often to insight arguments), please stop that immediately or all versions of your name will be blocked. You know who you are.
I don’t want to police this comment section and I’m a strong advocate of free speech, but equally, I don’t want this to continue to descend into the Wild West. It’s not social media and I can rule with an iron fist if I have to do that.
Thanks again to everyone who does take the time to contribute and here’s to another season following the boys in old gold. UTW.
The exact reason I stopped commenting years ago.. now I just view the blog.
Well said Thomas. I think it is unfortunate that you have had to write this, however I am certain that you are right to do so.
We all know who those people are who write with such puerile
arrogance and sometimes malice. Often with the intention of provocation. The interpersonal skills involved in listening and responding in conversation are no less important in listening to the writer. The difference here is that the reader has time to reflect before responding. There is a marked lack of courtesy from a few, but enough to turn others away.
Contributors such as the excellent Debenhamwolf understand this.
Good call Thomas… it had to be said.
I, for one, was tempted to run for the hills.
– Ok. But I think one should be allowed to change the name (as in the real world), which is a bit different than using several names interchangeably.
– And it’s possible to misspell your name by mistake.
Correction: Kristkarkson
Promising certainly, especially so in the second half.
But our central defense– or lack of it ! — must be a matter of major concern. Ponderous and indecisive are probably too kind words. A quality guy who`s demonstrated real uncomplicated defensive ability is surely a must.
That Ryan Bennett would have been far better than those on display today, says it all
Tarkowski from Burnley would fit that role nicely for me mike. We definitely need some recovery pace in there, which is why I think Mosquera could be a great player for Bruno, particularly when the team are pressing like they did second half today.
Tarkowski is top of my list Thomas. Solid, dependable , knows all the tricks and is not without pace.
I know we’re improving but once again the first half was crap as normal why can we not start on the front foot for 90 minutes Nuno had the same problem. We still need 3 or 4 new signings to make us competitive or we are going to struggle after all the hard work to get here.
Wasn’t it nice to see proper corners and free kicks. There hasn’t been a proper full squad full pre-season for a while now and I wouldn’t get too upset about today’s performance. Lots of teams are in the same position. Things will change before the window shuts and once we have the final names and numbers if they bring in the right players then we can have a decent season.
Some good things in that 2nd half. I was like many others a massive fan of NES and will forever be grateful for what he did for Wolves and the city but after the shock of him leaving I have felt it was for the best for all concerned.
This is just the next chapter in this club’s evolution.
Let’s attack this one together as well UTW.
The Central Defence played today is never going to cut it in the PL .
Let us hope Fosun get that defender in as I doubt we can rely on Boly being fit all season and it is a huge ask to think Mosquera good as he looks can do that all season .
I fear we will get somebody right at the end of the window which may mean we have lost the first 3 .I hope I am wrong .
Agree with Dek re: signings. If we start at Leisceter like we did today they will be out of sight by half time.
Players like Saiss are just not up to the task along with one or two more. I do genuinely fear for us if we cannot improve the starting 11.
All the above comments are valid, especially Thomas’s.
Neves had a shot that was comfortably saved on 42 minutes. It was our first attempt of the half. Bruno can’t have been happy with that, was that why we came out of the traps for the second half looking awake? Groundhog day or what? Even so, despite trying to win the ball back and playing a higher line , the new system isn’t embedded yet.
Before we get too despondent about our prospects, Celta Vigo are no mugs and came to win for their own interests, losing a match in pre season is a wake up call for players and managers before the real stuff starts.
Didn’t see the game today, but what I’ve heard I’m worried about our defensive frailties again,we haven’t really addressed the problem from last term, also up front, in Jimenez gets injured again god help us.hopefully Bruno and Jeff will bring in reinforcements in both positions.we have a tough start to our campaign and hopefully we can hold steady and get off to a decent start.Glass half full at the moment.???
Agree with Thomas’s comments about the value of all points of view. It makes it interesting and yes, often annoying, but at least we have the team in common, and all of us want them to win and play the type of football they played in today’s second half.
The first half was last season on rewind. Hope Neves and Traore are staying, both were class today. But to a man they all played like they meant it in the second half.
Great, aggression and pressing is here to stay I hope. We were far too passive first half. Inexcusable really, but they must have had a roasting from Bruno at H-T.
It’s going to be an interesting season, Bruno says he wants 3-4 new players. Hope he gets them as the squad , because of injuries, is not deep enough at the moment.
But fairly optimistic at the moment. There’s a long way to go, but today’s game is hopefully a good pointer for how we are going to play.
I know he’s got his detractors on here but, for me, Dendoncker should certainly start instead of Moutinho. He adds legs, physicality, and he’s got a great engine.
Up the Wolves!
I though Dendonker made a hell of a difference to us.
He does, he’s a busy player and gives his all for the cause. He’s had a few dodgy games but haven’t they all? If we’re out to press press and press again Dendoncker is a valuable asset. Well in my book anyway. Just read some of the responses on Twitter to Rafa Mir’s sale. Judging from those comments and views this Blog is a haven of sense and tempered views.
I fully understand passions run high supporting your team, but some comments I’ve just read on Twitter are outer planetary!
Its really hard trying to find great players that will fit in to the coaches playing style and who will also bring something positive into the dressing room.
I’d really love to see more youth making the step up into the first team myself.
Palace seem to do that fairly regularly and on a relatively small amount of cash.
Will be an interesting season this one but still feel optimistic as we’ve not so far lost many regulars .
Ready and waiting for the new season.
UTW
I didn’t see the game today but I am very concerned. We finished last season with 3 dispiriting losses and even Newcastle finished above us. We haven’t purchased a player with any PL experience and we will not have Boly, Neto, Jonny, Podence for several more weeks at least. The only good news is Jimenez is back but it will take him lots of games to become fit sharp and brave again. We all assumed we would get new first teamers with experience but I don’t believe anymore that will happen. We should have signed Danny Ings for £25m. If we cannot afford that, why did we pay £35meach for Silva and Semedo .
I fear a thumping at king Power. I would love to be wrong
I think the outcome at Leicester in the first league match may be a good barometer reading for how Wolves may fare in the PL this season.
I’m still really nervous about our defence and midfield capabilities.
Nice to see Leisceter beat City, we could learn a lot from the Foxes on and off the pitch.
They have a great squad will be a tough game next week the have invested well made some quality additions season on season.
Yes they have and they have also been in the Premier League 4 years longer than us which needs to be taken into account.
They also sell their best players in order to reinvest in the squad without their fans having a meltdown
Maguire, kante, mahrez etc
This has allowed them to get traction and get in and around the top four whilst only being able to get around 30000 fans in the ground.
A good manager also helps of course.
Utw
Good points Marney, they also invest in the team what it needs when they do sell a player on the here and now and they spend the money on first team quality players even British players they don’t mind using all the money to reinvest in first team ready players. There criteria inst all about sell on value.
Also they are expanding there stadium in the next 12 to 18 months they have planning permission to add another 8 to 10,000 seats.
Agree about Traore he must play on right but Trincao had a great game ( best so far anyway) Bruno’s 2 players for every position or did they expect to sell Traore ?
Neves had a storming game and will be better without Nuno
Defence we have to see when Boly and Mosquera come back
Chinese government has stopped their company’s letting money out of the country so we shall have to see what funds Mendes and Shi have to spend
Jimenez is still feeling his way back in
Hopefully we can sell Moutinho, Podence, Saiss, Dendonker etc to raise funds and not Neves/Traore
Lot’s to be played for before transfer windows shuts at the end of August.
Add Silva to the selling list
Jeff’ s £40 mill mistake or deal with Mendes/Nuno to provide commissions
Got to say something about Jon Moss, yesterday’s referee. I know it was a friendly but this man is a Premiership referee, reputedly.
He spent the afternoon lolloping around the pitch with a cheesy grin on his face making one wrong decision after another. He hope he waived his fee, or donated it to charity.
As for the game, I do fear for us if we get off to a bad start. It’s been a pretty unimpressive pre season and I don’t yet see any clear system or formation. Still too many younger players who are not yet fit for the demands of the Premiership. A couple of experienced additions would make all the difference. But they need to be here now. I’m sure all the talk of players leaving or being available is not helping either.
A new coach maybe but we still need to exhibit the ‘pack mentality’ that’s been so apparent for the last few years.
Well at least Lee Mason was shamed into retiring at the end of last season by Keith Hackett. Nuno called him out last season and said he didn’t want him to referee any more Wolves’ games. Mr Blobby, Jon Moss, should be next to hang up his whistle.
I have a feeling Wolves won’t suffer so much from duff VAR decisions this season. This is at least one positive. The second half-fightback on Saturday was another positive. Celta Vigo look to be a seriously decent side.
Rumour is Phillipe coutinho was down the Mount Hotel Wolvo today. Another rumour Nathan Ake on loan from Citeh.
I dare not say what a great comment you make Cheesey in case someone jumps down my throat and dislikes it…
Great comments Cheesey…!!!
I’ll be looking out for you mate down the Mol or more pertinent.. in a nearby pub..,
Ha ha. Always welcome old pal
I know how you feel Twix…..can not give your opinion without someone jumping down your throat.
Don’t stop mate…..your entitled to your opinion the same as everyone else.
Two dislikes Paul … and for what…?
You’ve not even commented about football….. just endorses folks’ negativity and vitriol towards certain bloggers…. disgusting..!
Thanks for the comment though ….
You too mate … stay with it…
Cheers Twix……I will mate.
Thank’s
See you all soon bloggers, hopefully.
First off, it was great to be back at the Mol after all this time. And the Balti Pie was as scrummy as ever. Kinda surprised at so many empty seats though.
First half was typical pre-season friendly fare and their goal came from, what appeared to me, to be a totally unnecessary challenge from Romain who is rather too prone to such actions.
As the game wore on though, it became less pre-season friendly and more like a cup tie, with tackles flying in and tempers rising. All good entertaining stuff though and how we didn’t score in the first 30 minutes of the 2nd half, only those in the South Bank will know. Celta Vigo clung on by their fingertips though and it will be concerning that so much pressure and so many chances failed to produce a goal.
Ruben Neves was absolutely brilliant in this one.
And if my source is correct and i have no reason to be believe it wont be ruben neves isnt going anywhere.
fingers ?
Am I missing something with this messy stuff.
This guy is getting physically upset because he can’t stay at Barcelona, the club who’s in such a financial mess ( his astronomical wages over the last 20 years playing no small part) that they can’t afford to keep him ?
With more millions in the bank than he could ever spend surely he could do one season for free.
Give me the shirt sales for one year and I’ll play for the club free would make him a bigger hero than any amount of goals scored to date .
Of course he won’t and I’m being a bit naive but spare me the tears ffs
Utw
Crocodile tears Marney. Unless he’s shedding a tear ’cause his ‘nice little earner’ is coming to an end.
I know wolfstroker
I hope he knows what he’s doing because it’s not cheap in Paris and the poor little bugger is only going to be on 35 million euros a year !
Utw
Not looking good for me to get tickets to Tottenham. 1500 tickets left for 10am tomorrow. Cross your fingers for me Fellow wolves fans – because this is the struggle of a fan living 200 miles away.
Is it 200 miles to Liverpool? I know how you feel then.
slight exaggeration but my point was still the same 😀
And I agree with you wholeheartedly. Hard to see how I’ll be getting to many Pl games under this system. Maybe make a few Carabao Cup ties, if I’m lucky.
I got my ticket. The new system don’t make sense. I was in the pre-que from 9am. When it went to 10am I got put 1040 in que… There wasn’t many seats at all but hey ho.
No mate. I will speak to you at the Spurs match or whenever. If possible, call or text me.
A huge, huge thank you to Doogooder and Sue for your extremely thoughtful and kind gift today.
You are VERY welcome mate.
From one Wolves legend to another.
And as the man said:- “Wolves ay we!!!”.