John Ruddy has offered some insight into the workings of new Wolves manager Bruno Lage.
The 45-year-old took the first-team for the first time in pre-season yesterday.
He oversaw a 1-0 defeat against Crewe Alexandra, but there were a few positives to take.
At times the movement was very good, and one has to feel it will be even better once the international players return.
Lage is thought to be keen to bring a more attacking, posession-based style to Molineux.
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Ruddy’s comments suggest this is indeed his desire.
The 34-year-old said after yesterday’s match (via Birmingham Mail): “Fluidity is massive for it. Without movement and understanding between the players you are never going to create opportunities, but as you saw (against Crewe) some of the movement was superb.
“It’s about recognising. If I’m a striker and the wingers come inside, can I pull out wide? It’s about the midfielders recognising that as well. And then obviously the man on the ball recognising which is the best pass to play.
Ruddy then also spoke a bit about Lage’s style: “He gets his point across really well. On the training ground he’s very intense, very intense. He wants you to work hard. He wants you to take the instruction.”
Lage intensity has to be a good thing
All the top coaches in football are known for their intensity.
Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Antonio Conte and Diego Simeone are but a few of the elite managers who are well known for it.
Hopefully the players will respond in the right way to Lage.
It might take some time, but there is potential for Wolves to become a team that is both easy on the eye and competitive.