The latest Wolverhampton Wanderers news from BirminghamLive as Jean-Ricner Bellegarde speaks ahead of the new season
Wolves star Jean-Ricner Bellegarde says he will play anywhere as long as it helps the team.
The French midfielder enjoyed a fruitful campaign with seven assists and two goals last season, and played in several positions.
He will be an important figure once again next season, especially following the departure of Matheus Cunha to Manchester United.
“For me, I need to play, but if the coach tells me he needs me to play this position, then that’s what I’ll do and that’s what I have been doing,’’ said Bellegarde. “I just need to help the team and, for me, when the team is playing very well and can win the games, then I’m happy.
“The gaffer knows I can do more to help the striker, but it depends on the plan of the match. If the gaffer tells me to stay in the middle, then I’ll stay, if I can go and help the striker more, then I’ll go – it all depends on the game.’’
Looking back on last season, Bellegarde reflected: “I’m happy because I played a lot, but last season was very difficult because we didn’t win a lot of the first games, but the end of the season was good for the team and our mentality is better.
“All the people here have made it easier for life because they are good people, so I’m happy. I’m happy in the dressing room, I talk with everyone, and it’s OK.
“When you can speak to a lot of people off the pitch, you can be more for comfortable in the pitch, but with our group, it’s very easy for us to speak with each other and exchange with every player.
“(Manager) Vitor (Pereira) has helped me a lot and has given me more opportunities. In pre-season, Vitor will be imposing his ideas on the team and the players need to listen and do it on the pitch. He’s very good for the team.”