Wolverhampton Wanderers interim head coach Cesar Peixoto has insisted his team must embrace the pressure of being favourites when they host Blackburn Rovers on Saturday. The Molineux outfit go into the Championship clash unbeaten in their last five league games, a run that has lifted them to third in the table.
Peixoto’s Message to His Squad
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Peixoto said: “You have to embrace it. It’s a good thing when people expect you to win. It means we are doing something right. But we know Blackburn are a tough side, and we have to respect them.”
The Portuguese coach, who took over from Gary O’Neil last month, has overseen three wins and two draws in the league. He has urged his players to channel the expectation positively rather than let it weigh them down.
Blackburn’s Threat
Blackburn arrive in the West Midlands having lost just one of their last eight matches, and they are pushing for a play-off place. Peixoto highlighted their attacking threat, particularly the form of striker Sammie Szmodics, who has scored 12 goals this season.
“They have quality, especially in the final third. We have to be compact and disciplined, but also brave on the ball,” he added. Wolves will be without suspended midfielder Mario Lemina, but otherwise have a fully fit squad to choose from.
Play-Off Race Intensifies
A win on Saturday would move Wolves to within two points of automatic promotion spots, with a game in hand over some rivals. The match kicks off at 3pm at Molineux, and Peixoto expects a tough battle.
“Every game in this league is difficult. The table is tight, and we know the importance of every point. But we are confident in our ability and our style of play,” he concluded.
