Graeme Murty has given his assessment of our Under-21s’ meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League Cup.
Monday’s Group H game in Telford resulted in a 1-0 defeat, and the Lead U21 Coach discusses the game overall, as well as the decisive moment which tilted the points in Wolves’ favour.
“I don’t think we deserved to lose the game – I thought we were more than good enough value to get something out of it,” Murty stated.
“We didn’t create too many clear-cut opportunities, but I don’t think they did either. It was really encouraging in terms of intensity and the way we want to play the game – we had them on the back foot for a lot of the game.
“I’ve told the players that those are the fine margins that they need to learn about when they make one mistake in the second half with our offside line. But that’s what football is like – it’s a harsh mistress and can be painful at times, but they’ll be all the better for it.”
Murty explained that the hard work at the Academy of Light in recent weeks is beginning to show in a match scenario, highlighting the improvement in organisation of the team’s press whilst out of possession.
He then discussed the higher and lower points of the young Lads’ play whilst with the ball.
“We’ve done a lot of work with the players in terms of what we want to see from them out of possession, particularly when we’re in transition from having the ball to playing without it.
“Our positions to jump into the press were a lot better than they previously have been. The lads are understanding it, it shows they are coachable, and what we want to see from here forward is having that good structure and shape.
“Then we have to be more destructive and more of a threat to the opposition when we have the ball. Our play I think was more than good enough to put us into good situations. Our decision making in the final third wasn’t great at times after winning possession high, but we looked good in our general play.”
With Tony Mowbray’s first team recuperating over the pause for the World Cup, a youthful side took to the field against Wolves – Monday’s matchday squad averaged an age of just 18, as 17-year-old Zak Johnson donned the captain’s armband.
Murty elaborated on pushing the squad in the right environment and in different match situations, explaining that our next Group H fixture – with Cardiff City at Eppleton next Monday night – could see the changes wrung as several U21 and U18 players push for their opportunity.
“We need to test and stretch these young lads in the right environment and with the right opportunity. I’m really pleased for Tommy Watson up against some very good opposing players, and it’s good to see Ben Middlemas coming back.
“We have a group of people wanting to push and play – I can see us potentially having a separate XI which start the next game against Cardiff. That’s great for us, as it gives players a chance to stake their claim. It’s about giving these lads scope to go and impress. I know there will be some disappointed players who didn’t play here at Wolves,
“The next game could also see an opportunity to change shape and structure, giving the players a different encouragement and way to play, whilst still maintaining our identity.”