Wolves boss Kenny Jackett was pleased with his team’s performance against Premier League opposition in a pulsating 2-2 draw with local rivals Aston Villa at Molineux.
Dave Edwards and Benik Afobe both netted in the second half as twice the Championship came from behind to draw level, with Czech striker Libor Kozak grabbing both of Villa’s goals.
In a lively game that drew 27,000 to Molineux that was far beyond the normal tempo of preseason friendlies, Jackett told the Birmingham Mail that he was very pleased with his squad’s efforts against opposition from a higher level.
Impressive performance against Premier League opposition
Although he admitted that his side could “learn how well Villa kept the ball at times” with the away side having “spells of possession that were Premier League class”, the Wolves boss said that he was very pleased with the “attitude and endeavour” of his squad.
After just missing out on the playoff spots last time around, and having lost star forward Bakary Sako in the summer, Wolves were initially tentative in the opening minutes against Villa as the gulf in class perhaps played on the minds of the Championship side.
However, Jackett explained that was natural and “understandable because we have a lot of young players”, and praised the same players as they “grew into the game”, saying how it proved to be a very competitive affair.
Jackett looking forward to 2015/16 Championship campaign
With the big kickoff against Blackburn only a week away this coming Saturday, all of the players who played against Villa got the full ninety minutes and Jackett explained it was the right decision.
The former Millwall gaffer stated that this was his intentions, in order to gauge his team's fitness and sharpness. Jackett also revealed that he is pleased that his team are without injuries, and looking forward to the start of their 2015/16 campaign.