Wolves midfielder Joe Hodge says he is loving life at the club since Julen Lopetegui came in.
The youngster has a good level of involvement since the Spaniard took over.
Hodge had made a few appearances under interim manager Steve Davis, and his performance against Leeds United in the Carabao Cup actually led to Lopetegui praising the player to his face on his first day at Compton Park.
It was clear from that moment that Hodge was a player Lopetegui liked.
He’s been able to make a few more appearances for Wolves under the new head coach, which has been great to see.
Hodge has been speaking about life under Lopetegui. And he really enjoys his training sessions.
Hodge also named four players players he’s learning off every day.
He said (Express & Star): “It’s been class. The past few months, since the new gaffer has come in, it’s been good.
“Training has been good and I can’t complain about anything, it’s been class.
“It’s good to have his backing. Obviously there’s a long way to go and I want to become a big player for this team, but its definitely been a good start.
“I’m learning from him and the other good players around me every day. I’m learning off Ruben, Joao, Matheus and Bouba every day. They’re top midfielders.”
It was suggested at one point that Hodge could perhaps head out on loan when Joao Gomes signed.
But Lopetegui has decided he wants to keep the youngster.
Joe Hodge could struggle for minutes now, but he must keep working hard
It’s great to hear Hodge’s enthusiasm here. Clearly Lopetegui’s training sessions are very engaging.
It’s important that Hodge just keeps working as hard as he can.
Minutes could now be harder to come by following the arrivals of Gomes and Mario Lemina. Boubacar Traore is also returning from injury.
While Lopetegui is a big fan of Hodge, there’s a chance he won’t be playing too much in the coming months.
But the main thing for him is that he keeps at it, and watches the likes of of Neves, Moutinho and Nunes in training as he currently is doing.
These are top players, and following their examples will serve the youngster well.