Source: Team_Talk
We're not safe yet, warns Wolves boss
Mick McCarthy believes Wolves' lack of attacking firepower means his side's Premier League survival is still far from assured this season.[LNB] Wolves' 0-0 draw with Fulham on Saturday was their third such result in their last four games.[LNB]Some 389 minutes have passed since McCarthy's side scored their last goal, which came in their 3-1 win over West Ham last month.[LNB]Wolves' top goalscorer Kevin Doyle was kept at bay by Fulham defenders Chris Smalling and Aaron Hughes on Saturday - and never looked like adding to the seven goals he has scored so far this season.[LNB]McCarthy admits his side's lack of goals could mean his side will still need to get points in their remaining fixtures against Blackburn, Portsmouth and Sunderland to stay up. [LNB]"Let's not presume that we are safe," said McCarthy. "We still need points because we are not scoring. If we get three clean sheets then I will take it."[LNB]McCarthy also defended his side's defensive style of play which has seen them defy their critics and move away from the relegation zone.[LNB]"Playing great football and losing still gets you no points," said the former Republic of Ireland manager.[LNB]"We do play football and try to knock the ball around though. We always get a chance from a free-kick or a corner.[LNB]"We have to work on closing teams down because we want to stay in the game.[LNB]"But we had to stop getting beat and when you stop that you pick up points."[LNB]Michael Mancienne was one of Wolves' best performers on Saturday as he protected the back four from the threat of the in-form Bobby Zamora.[LNB]The 22-year-old is enjoying his second season on loan from Chelsea and McCarthy admits he is showing signs of developing into a good player.[LNB]Should Michael Ballack and Joe Cole fail to renew their contracts at the end of the season, Mancienne could be called back to Stamford Bridge to challenge for a first-team place.[LNB]McCarthy is hopeful of holding on to the player for at least another season, though.[LNB]"He's a quality young player who Chelsea have signed on a long contract and I was lucky enough to get him on loan," said McCarthy.[LNB]"He's having a great education and playing in midfield. He's turning into a good Premier League player but is he going to win the Champions League playing in that position?[LNB]"That's what Chelsea want to find out. If he continues as he is, and even stays with us next year, he is getting one hell of an education and doing a really good job.[LNB]"I've not spoken to Chelsea yet, we will have to see what their feelings are because he is their player."
