The Carabao Cup has been a rare source of encouragement for Wolves this season, and striker Tolu Arokodare has shed some light on how the players are feeling going into a difficult Chelsea game.
Since joining Wolves in the summer, Tolu has yet to get a consistent run of games, but he remains hungry to contribute and positive about their prospects of turning form around.
Tolu’s first goal for Wolves was against Everton in the last round of cup action, and he will be hoping to replicate that moment against a Chelsea side that was in flying form before a weekend loss to Sunderland.
That won’t be an easy feat to pull off, but the Nigerian remains optimistic about the upcoming midweek clash.
Tolu Arokodare thinks a win against Chelsea could be a turning point
Despite not assuming the role of a starter, Tolu appears to have a larger-than-life presence in the Wolves dressing room.
He discussed Wednesday’s clash for the Wolves website, making clear just how important this game is. .
He says: “Obviously, it’s not going to be an easy game because of the team and the stage we are in the tournament, and also because of our previous results in the league.
“But so far in the Carabao Cup, we’ve been doing pretty good, and we’re going to try to continue that.”
And it’s not just for cup survival, but for morale that can carry over to the league.
As he puts it: “Getting the win against a team like Chelsea would be a huge confidence boost for us, because it would send a message to other teams, and it also sends a message to us in our heads mentally, if you can beat a team like Chelsea, then you can obviously do it in the league too.”
Advancing to the last eight of the cup would be massive for Wolves, and may give Pereira some breathing room amid plenty of calls for change.
Important for Tolu on an individual level too
Tolu has impressed Wolves in training since coming to the club, but is yet to get a consistent run of games. He has appeared off the bench in each of the last four league matches, but the start eludes him.
And he’s desperate for that to change, saying: “I’m very hungry. Obviously, it’s not easy. Being on the pitch, you have to deserve it. You have to earn it. I think the few minutes that I’ve got, I’ve earned it. I’m just going to keep fighting and working to get more.”
He will look at every game as a chance to prove himself to his new fans.
Chelsea will be a difficult proposition, but there are reasons to be optimistic (if that’s still possible for fans). Pereira’s Wolves future being in doubt could galvanise the team to take an aggressive approach.
Additionally, Enzo Maresca’s pre-Wolves comments suggest plenty of rotation.
Add to that the recent draws against Spurs and Brighton, two quality sides that Wolves almost bested. Why not against Chelsea? Another draw would not be bad at all, potentially opening the door for a dramatic penalty shootout win.
Tolu will be hoping to make the starting XI for Wolves against Chelsea and help his team to a much-needed win.