The latest Wolverhampton Wanderers news from BirminghamLive as Fer Lopez explains why a break will do the club good
Wolverhampton Wanderers chairman Jeff Shi
Wolverhampton Wanderers chairman Jeff Shi (Image: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Jeff Shi has risked the wrath of supporters by describing Wolves’ transfer window as a “good” one.
The executive chairman sat down with the club’s media team to answer a series of questions on their summer business and more.
High-profile departures, including Matheus Cunha, Rayan Ait-Nouri and last season’s captain Nelson Semedo, have left many observers predicting a Premier League relegation battle this season.
But Shi insisted: “I think it is a good window. The key purpose of the window is to help the coach. We spoke with Vitor (Pereira) almost every day, even when he was on holiday, in Portugal. We talked a lot.
“We tried to build a squad based on his view and his philosophy and how he tried to adapt to the league. Of course, it’s not 100% but I think 90% we are there to help him.
“The reality is some players had to go so we had the task in our hand to try to sign players. I think we signed six players and also three came back from loans or injuries. I am happy because all the players came and they were very committed to the team and Vitor liked them all. They will all play a key role.”
One player who didn’t leave was striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, despite two bids from Newcastle.
“Jorgen is one of the most important players in the squad. He can be better, of course. He scored 14 goals last year and I hope he can score 20 this season so it is very important to keep him,’’ said Shi.
“We had a very good conversation with him. He will be ready again and I am sure he will score a lot. Hopefully he can improve to be the top, top striker in the league and in the world and also to help the team to achieve something special.
“Jorgen is a very good boy. Very honest and also very generous. I have no doubt about him. You will see him play and perform very well.”
On the pitch, it has not been the best of starts with three league losses out of three.
Asked if he was concerned, Shi said: “No. We have been in the league enough time. We know the league enough. The first three games will not define the whole season. If we had won more games I would have been more happy but it’s just the start of the season.
“We had a big change in the squad and we need a little more time to settle and shape something new. Maybe that’s one of the reasons impacting us, but it’s a long season.
“The most important thing to define this season is the squad, the coach and us as a team, the chemistry, the unity. If you have that foundation you will have a strong season. No doubt about it. If you don’t have this, maybe you have doubt.”