Wolves manager, Vitor Pereira, has expressed satisfaction with Tolu Arokodare’s improved fitness level after the Super Eagles forward found the net in their 4-3 defeat to Chelsea in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
Arokodare, who joined Wolves in the summer, scored his second goal for the club, reducing the deficit after connecting with a pass and calmly slotting home, though it wasn’t enough to rescue his side from elimination.
Speaking after the match, Pereira noted the striker’s growing adaptation to the team and praised his progress.
“It’s normal because now he has more training with us. His fitness is better now than before, he understands what we need from him, and he is more connected with his teammates and he is ready to help us,” the Portuguese coach said.
Reflecting on the overall team performance, Pereira commended the fighting spirit his players displayed in the second half after making several changes to the lineup.
“What a second half! In the first half, we conceded the first goal and after, when I looked at the team, the players were a bit lost and we concede a second goal and after a third goal. I assume the responsibility, because it’s my responsibility.
“We changed a lot today, 11 players, we played with 11 players that have not been playing for long time, so it means the connection and the rhythm for this kind of game is not easy.
“At half time, we spoke about it, and I said to them, it’s my responsibility, but I want to see my team, I want to see tactical organisation, and I want to see the spirit that we have as a team. In the second half, we won 3-1 and the goal that we conceded was a pity, and we had the chance to score two more goals, and we deserved it.
“I’m very happy, not with the result, of course, but with the spirit that we showed in the second half and with our supporters, because they were very important for us. We felt from outside, the energy that we need to compete and to change the situation.”
Despite the loss, Pereira’s remarks highlight optimism for both Arokodare’s development and the team’s growing cohesion.
