Lopetegui tells Wolves to ‘enjoy’ the ‘challenge’ of relegation scrap – ‘we are fighting hard’ | OneFootball

Julen Lopetegui has encouraged his Wolves players to embrace the pressure of fighting to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

They go to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest this weekend just three points clear of the relegation zone.

Forest – who have lost their last two games – are a point behind Wolves. There is also just four points separating the bottom half in the Premier League.

“It’s a pleasure to play these kinds of matches. We are privileged to have this position to play these matches. The players have to be ready,” said Wolves boss Lopetegui.

“We have to enjoy the moments and take advantage of them. To feel this pressure is a good thing, we are fighting very hard. From this moment, with this mentality, it is very important.

“We have to show maturity and show we are happy to have this challenge in front of us.

“It’s more important than the tactics sometimes, we are going to be involved until the end. We have to put the focus on ourselves, we respect all the opponents.

“We have a positive mentality knowing one match is a challenge. The most important thing is to show the strong mentality, it’s about how you react when you lose. We have to be ready and it’s going to be a hard fight until the end.”

Hwang Hee-Chan remains out while Hugo Bueno (hamstring) is likely to return and Boubacar Traore should be in the squad after a groin injury but Jonny is banned.

Wolves return to the City Ground after January’s EFL Cup penalty shoot-out exit to Forest saw the teams clash after the game.

Lopetegui added about Forest: “They have invested a lot of money and they are clear on what they want, they are a very complete team.

“In any moment they can damage you, they have quality players and very fast players. The most important thing is we have to be ready, with a very positive mentality and always looking forward with positive thoughts.”

Forest boss Steve Cooper meanwhile has revealed that Brennan Johnson is a doubt for this weekend’s game.

“Brennan is not back to full fitness,” Cooper said. “It’s something we are assessing on a daily basis and are having to manage.

“Like some of the other guys, it’s a little bit inconclusive at the moment, in terms of availability for the next games, with us having three in a week.

“It’s a day-by-day situation, not just with him but with a few of the boys.

“That’s pretty normal for this time of the season, after so many games and training sessions; it’s inevitable you pick up some injuries, some niggles and some knocks that can fluctuate day to day.

“It’s an ongoing process, not just with him but with a few of the lads – but that’s normal for the time of the season.”