Mens

Jesse Marsch: This is a big challenge for us

Head coach previews Wolves clash.

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Jesse Marsch has been speaking with the media prior to his side taking on Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday evening, in the Premier League.

The Whites go into the game coming off the back of a last-minute winner against Norwich City on Sunday and they’ll now head to Molineux, looking to build on that success.

Following training this week, the head coach gave an in-depth update on the playing squad, with positive news about players returning to action.

“Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips are in training and are eligible for this weekend, we’ll make a decision on them today,” Marsch stated.

“I spoke with both and said obviously it’s a boost for them personally but the presence they have in our team, it’s a big momentum swing for us as a group too.

“They’re both quality players and personalities, it will make us stronger and stronger. We’ll see exactly what the plan is and how long they can play but just having them in training is big.

“Junior Firpo has an MCL injury. They think it’s not so bad, it’s a lighter grade two, so maybe three to five weeks from the time of his injury.

“Patrick Bamford was a little sore as the game was very demanding. His entire body is continuing to adjust to what the demands will be for these upcoming games, but he came out in a good way.

“Rodrigo will train today, we’re hopeful everything will be ready to go. We did a scan and it showed an old injury, so it’s about managing some of the symptoms.

“Lewis Bate and Jamie Shackleton picked up injuries in the Under-23s match so might not be available. Joffy [Joe Gelhardt] has a back issue which is why he didn’t play in U23s, but we think he’ll be ok.”

Speaking on the match and the test Wolves will prove to his side on Friday night, Marsch was full of praise for the upcoming opposition and his opposite number, Bruno Lage.

He said: “I think they’re a fantastic team with some really intelligent players and they are incredibly well coached.

“I knew Bruno Lage was a good coach but when I watched them play I was so impressed. They defend well, move the ball well and have a lot of clarity in how they play.

“This is a big challenge for us but I am excited, it will test us in many ways, how we are with and against the ball.

“They haven’t given away one goal in transitions all year and we want to be good in transition, it’ll be a difficult task for us and the respect from me to Wolves is massive.

“We will try to execute a relatively simple and clear match plan. We know defending well and not going behind in the game - because they don’t give much away - will be really important.”

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