Bellegarde reflects on Wolves defeat as Molineux side face LaLiga test | OneFootball

Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde has called on his teammates to maintain their determination and drive, following a 3–1 pre-season defeat to RC Lens at the Bescot Stadium.

Facing his former club, Bellegarde remained positive about the squad’s progression despite the result. “Although we didn’t win, I feel the players have more power in their legs and are more physical,” he told the club’s official website. “We need to keep going and keep pushing. We need to get the rhythm and intensity for the Premier League.”

The match saw Wolves fall to three second-half goals from the French side, with Lens taking control after the break through strikes from Said and a brace from Machado. Gonçalo Guedes pulled one back in the 81st minute, but it proved to be only a consolation on a difficult evening for the hosts.

Bellegarde, however, was one of the more composed performers on the night, standing out with his set-piece delivery and creativity in midfield. He consistently looked to create openings, linking well with Hugo Bueno and showing signs of a growing influence within the side. His deliveries from corners and free-kicks were a particular highlight, prompting local journalist Liam Keen to suggest the midfielder could be a key option for set-pieces going forward. “His set-pieces all through pre-season have been pretty good,” Keen noted, adding that Bellegarde appeared more comfortable playing wider on the left during the Lens clash.

The defeat comes in the midst of a busy pre-season schedule for Wolves, as they continue their preparations under head coach Vítor Pereira. The Portuguese manager has placed emphasis on fitness and tactical discipline as the Premier League opener draws closer.

With their next fixture coming against Girona in Spain on August 3, Wolves will be looking to build momentum and refine their approach.

Despite the disappointment of the result, Bellegarde’s words reflect a broader determination within the squad to keep progressing. As the midfielder put it: “We try to do our best. We fight for each other and we’re focused.”

Wolves will hope that resilience translates into stronger performances as the season approaches

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