The start of the season for Wolverhampton Wanderers has been challenging, with striker Jorgen Strand Larsen expressing hope amidst the turmoil. After a potential transfer to Newcastle United fell through before the deadline, Strand Larsen remains committed to Wolves as they prepare to face newly-promoted Burnley on Sunday, September 24, 2023, live on Sky Sports.
Reflecting on his journey, Strand Larsen stated, “I think every footballer has their dream to play at a top level, and we obviously know there was a Champions League club coming for me. But at the same time, I felt like this is a place I can continue to develop.” Following a productive season where he netted 14 goals, the player recognizes the importance of staying and contributing to the club’s efforts.
Despite the challenging circumstances, including significant player departures over the summer, Strand Larsen maintains a positive outlook. “It’s been a rough summer, but I’m happy to be here,” he remarked. “When we lost so many players, it didn’t feel right for me. Now, every game that I stay, I’m here to win.”
Wolves’ performance has been under scrutiny, particularly after a disappointing match against Sunderland, which Strand Larsen described as one of the worst of the season. He acknowledged the struggles with injuries and the need for better communication on the pitch. “I think for the new players, they need to find that I’m not a striker dropping down 50 yards from goal,” he explained. “I need service. We need to work on it.”
The atmosphere among supporters has also become tense. Fans are increasingly dissatisfied with the team’s performance, reflecting a growing disconnect between their expectations and the club’s current form. Strand Larsen understands this frustration, stating, “We know that the start hasn’t been good enough, from top to bottom.”
As the club grapples with a decline that has been apparent since the departure of former head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, Strand Larsen is keenly aware of the challenges. “It’s obviously difficult because, in the bigger picture, we are a smaller club compared to the biggest ones in this league,” he noted. The lack of effective replacements for key players, such as Matheus Cunha, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Nelson Semedo, has exacerbated the situation.
The recent restructuring of the coaching staff, including the appointment of Domenico Teti as football director and the promotion of Vitor Pereira to head coach, has led to a renewed focus on team cohesion and strategy. Strand Larsen emphasized the importance of communication between players and coaching staff, noting, “It’s important to have good communication. The manager is the one taking the final decisions, but we’re also a group of people that want to improve.”
With the upcoming match against Burnley seen as crucial for the season, Strand Larsen remains hopeful. “We can’t lose it. We need to make sure that we’re also playing well,” he stated. He believes that recent training sessions have shown improvement, highlighting performances against Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton as positive indicators of the team’s potential.
As Wolves prepare for this pivotal clash, the pressure on the players and coaching staff is palpable. Fans are eager for a turnaround, and Strand Larsen’s determination to stay positive could be key in navigating the challenges ahead. The match against Burnley will kick off at 14:00 local time on Sunday, and all eyes will be on Molineux as Wolves strive to secure their first victory of the season.
