Shropshire Star

Diogo Jota: Keep calm and carry on Wolves

Diogo Jota says Wolves must relax as they adjust to Premier League life with a trip to Leicester City tomorrow.

Published
Last updated

Nuno Espirito Santo’s team opened their campaign with a 2-2 draw at home to 10-man Everton last weekend.

Like Everton, Leicester finished in the top half last season and are set to provide another stern test for the new boys.

Jota said the message from Nuno post-Everton was to stop trying too hard.

“(Nuno said) just to calm down because he noticed it was the first game for many of us – for him as well – in the Premier League, now we want to relax and prepare and do our best,” Jota said.

“It’s the first game, it’s always different, maybe you try to rush and not do things so well as we usually did.

“Now we’re going to improve on that.

“We want to get out again as soon as possible, we want to get the games on our legs and get the rhythm (as not having it is) an advantage to our opponents that are here already," Jota said.

“We watched their game against Manchester United at Old Trafford (a 2-1 defeat) and they can build, they’re a good team. It will be a very hard job for us.

“It’s a step forward in quality, in everything. You can notice the difference.

“We know the challenge, it’s the hardest competition in the world and the best as well.

“For me last week was like a dream coming true, I always watched Premier League matches during my childhood and it was a very special game.

“Now it’s in the past and we want to get better.

“I’m enjoying it but this is my job. The first game was special but we’re focused on our job.

“The first game is behind us, we got a point and we’re looking forward to Leicester.”

Jota is one of few in Wolves’ ranks who has played at the King Power Stadium before, having lined up for Porto in a 1-0 Champions League defeat. “I played there with Porto so I know the atmosphere, it will be hard,” he added.

“I don’t have nice memories because we lost!

“As a Champions League match it’s always special.

“The story of them winning the title was well known all over the world, it was something really different and special.

“That’s from the past and things are different now. We want to go there and win the game.”

New signings Leander Dendoncker and Adama Traore could feature after training this week.

Jota says Wolves have added plenty of quality this summer.

“Leander was the last one (to join) and he’s already adapting to us and the way we play,” Jota added.

“I’m impressed, the club did their job and tried to give the manager quality and more options.

“That helps the team to reach a higher level.”