Source: Team_Talk
Back to basics for McCarthy
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy admits his team need to make sure they get the basics right if their results are to improve.[LNB] The Midlands club remain in the Premier League relegation zone after being defeated 3-2 at Molineux by Bolton on Saturday.[LNB]The hosts carved out several good opportunities in the opening period but shot themselves in the foot - as they had in their previous game - by conceding a goal in the first minute, Richard Stearman heading past his own goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann.[LNB]Second-half strikes from Johan Elmander and Stuart Holden then gave Bolton a 3-0 lead, and although Kevin Foley and Steven Fletcher swiftly reduced the deficit, McCarthy's men were unable to find an equaliser before the final whistle.[LNB]Wolves have earned plaudits for their performances in recent weeks but are yet to keep a single clean sheet this term, something the manager knows must be addressed.[LNB]"I think we have to make sure we keep a clean sheet, however that may be," said McCarthy, whose side have only two victories and nine points from 13 league games so far.[LNB]"Let's stay in the game to start with. We have played some great football and created loads of chances but we have conceded three goals.[LNB]"We might have to just start at basics and make sure we keep a clean sheet."[LNB]Wolves went into the contest off the back of a high-profile sequence of fixtures against Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal, but McCarthy insisted the prospect of Bolton - who moved up to fifth in the table - had not been underestimated.[LNB]"I thought this was a harder game - and I said that to the players in the week - because of the danger that people expect us to win it," McCarthy said.[LNB]"They are a very good team, on-form at the minute, so it was always going to be a hard game - and it was made increasingly hard by conceding a goal after 50 seconds."[LNB]McCarthy's opposite number Owen Coyle expressed his confidence that Wolves will start picking up points.[LNB]"Wolves are a far better side than their league position suggests and that will turn for them, there is no doubt," Coyle said.[LNB]"They just have to keep banging away on that door, but I have to look after Bolton Wanderers, and it was an important win for us."
