Wolverhampton Wanderers’ head coach Rob Edwards is bracing for more challenges following the recent injury to midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde. The Haiti international sustained a hamstring injury during a match against Manchester United, which is expected to sideline him until February. Bellegarde has been an important player for Wolves, participating in 14 of their 15 league fixtures and scoring their first league goal in over a month.
Challenges Facing Wolverhampton
Edwards expressed his concerns regarding the impact of Bellegarde’s injury, stating, “It was a hamstring – he could be up to six or more weeks out, which is a real blow for us.” This injury compoundes the troubles for Wolves, who have now matched a club record with eight consecutive losses, a feat last seen in the 1981-82 season. Currently, Wolves find themselves 13 points adrift from safety in the Premier League, failing to secure a win since April.
Expectations and High Standards
During a recent press meeting, Edwards emphasized the necessity of meeting high standards, mentioning, “If we don’t do certain things, it [relegation] will be done quite quickly.” He underlined that while he cannot play on the pitch himself, it is imperative that the players take responsibility and improve their performances.
Support from the Club’s Management
Amid these challenges, Edwards has received support from club executive chairman Jeff Shi. In a statement to BBC Radio WM, Shi expressed confidence in Edwards, declaring he is “95%” sure the coach, who previously made 111 appearances for the club as a player, will remain at the helm for the next two to three years.
Looking Ahead
Despite the current struggles, Edwards remains optimistic about the future. He pointed out that he was aware of the difficulties that lay ahead when he took on the role. “We have really good people who are hardworking and keen to do well,” he noted, appreciating the backing from the club’s upper management to implement necessary improvements.
- Key Players: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde
- Current Record: Eight-game losing streak
- Points from Safety: 13
- Last Win: April
- Support from Chairman: Jeff Shi, “95%” confident in Edwards’ position
