Wolves boss McCarthy sticking to away style

Mick McCarthy today warned Wolves fans to get used to them "sacrificing" attacking principles on the road.

Wolves go to Chelsea on Saturday after four successive away defeats.

The latest, at Everton last Saturday, sparked more criticism from frustrated fans after the team failed to force a save out of keeper Tim Howard, and had just one on-target effort – Stephen Hunt's penalty.

Saturday's trip to Stamford Bridge represents a massive challenge to turn that run of results around with Manchester United next up on their travels.

And while the Wolves boss said he is always looking for an improvement, he admitted a cautious, containing approach had to be followed.

"People might have expected more of us going forwards, but it's just the way it is," said McCarthy.

"You sometimes have to sacrifice things going forwards to make sure you're solid, and we were solid because we restricted Everton to very few chances.

"I watched Liverpool at Chelsea on Sunday and when I see Liverpool at home they tend to go forwards a bit more.

"Don't ask me why that is – that's an anomaly.

"I don't know anyone who can answer why a team can be so much better at home than away.

"It might be the set-up of the opposition, but I'd counter that by saying I didn't see Everton having too many chances against us."

McCarthy is happy with the 4-5-1 formation but admitted he is looking for more from his players.

"I'm very happy with the shape of the team – we played well on Saturday and we didn't look like losing until we conceded a soft penalty," he said.

"We're always looking for more – I know we scored from a penalty, but the move that led to it was a well-worked move.

"We were doing fine and they produced very little for us to deal with.

"When we get beat, people say 'weren't you looking for more going forwards?', but of course we're always looking for more.

"But I was still happy with our performance on Saturday."