Wolves boss Gary O’Neil has been speaking to the media before Saturday’s Premier League game against Nottingham Forest (15:00).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
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Sam Johnstone will be available to play on Saturday after his move from Crystal Palace was competed in time. O’Neil also expects goalkeeper Jose Sa to “stay and fight” rather than seek a move away.
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O’Neil says a deal with Fluminese for midfielder Andre is “close”.
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Offering more on the deal for Andre, O’Neil said: “I think everything has gone fine but there’s a few boxes to tick but I don’t see any problems occurring. The midfield is a very strong area of the pitch for us already with Joao [Gomes], Mario [Lemina] and Tommy [Doyle]. Andre is an excellent talent that will add to the group, and it will fall on me to find a structure to fit them all in.”
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He believes Daniel Podence is leaving the club: “We worked very hard with him, there were some periods he wasn’t happy and went away on loan. He came back and worked his socks off but he has had an excellent offer for him and his family. Discussions have been on going and what is best for him and the club. That one is looking like there may be something completed.”
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Boubacar Traore will be out for a “few months” with a knee injury, with O’Neil stating: “He is a great guy and he will be missed. Hopefully it’s the best it can be but he’s not available for the weekend and he’ll be out for a little while.”
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On the away trip to the City Ground: “It’s always felt quite feisty. I would expect it to feel like a big game. For us off the back of two losses in the league and Nottingham Forest wanting to get their first home win, it’s feeling like a big game.”
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On Nottingham Forest: “Very compact, don’t come out of shape to press. There are loads of threats on counter-attacks, we need to make sure we don’t lose it in bad areas and make sure the structure is better than at home to Chelsea. Then we need to be ready to stand up and be counted. As always with Premier League games every facet will be tested. I have faith and belief in the lads.”
