‘We play for them and we are very sad’: Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui issues an apology to supporters after the 6-0 thrashing by Brighton… but urges them to not forget the progress made since he took charge
Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui has issued an apology to supporters after their heavy 6-0 defeat by Brighton at the Amex.
Deniz Undav, Danny Welbeck and Pascal Gross all scored braces for the Seagulls to inflict Wolves’ heaviest Premier League loss.
Lopetegui claimed responsibility as he called on his players to be ready for next weekend’s Midlands derby against Aston Villa.
‘It’s not easy to make an assessment about the match because it’s a very bad day for us,’ the 56-year-old said after the defeat.
‘Maybe we must face the first point of view, that we suffered early two goals that we have to avoid.
Wolves suffered their worst Premier League loss after their defeat by Brighton at the Amex
Julen Lopetegui has issued an apology but reminded fans to remember the progress made
Deniz Undav, Danny Welbeck and Pascal Gross all scored braces for Brighton on Saturday
‘For the first we had 10 players behind the ball and we could do better. For the second goal we lost the ball and after the second goal it is hard for us.
‘You prepare for the match in a true situation and then they have more confidence and against this kind of team it’s very important to do good things but also to not suffer very easy goals like we suffered.
‘It has been a very hard day for us but when you have a very hard day like today the responsibility is on me as the coach.
‘I accept my responsibility, we’re sorry a lot for the fans that came here but all together we have to be ready for the fight because we are in the middle of a battle.
‘Today we lost a battle but not the war so we have to continue to achieve our aim at the end of the season.’
Wolves capitulated from the start and found themselves four goals down in the first half through Undav, Pascal Gross’ double and Welbeck.
Undav and Welbeck both scored again after the break to secure their braces and ensure Lopategui suffered his heaviest managerial defeat.
‘I apologise to the fans because they come here and it’s a bad day for them,’ the Wolves boss added.
‘We play for them and we are very sad.
‘But in the same way, it’s important to remember four months ago and now, at least, we have the possibility to be out of relegation. That is a very big aim for us.’
Despite the loss to Brighton, Wolves sit 13th in the Premier League table, eight points clear of the relegation zone.