No Excuses, Perform or Get Out, João Gomes Issues Rallying Cry as Rob Edwards Takes Charge at Wolves
João Gomes Issues Rallying Cry as Rob Edwards Takes Charge at Wolves: “No Excuses, Perform or Get Out”
Wolverhampton Wanderers are entering a critical juncture in their Premier League season following the appointment of Rob Edwards as head coach, and young Brazilian midfielder João Gomes has made it clear that the responsibility for turning the club around now rests with the players as much as the manager.
Gomes, 24, has become a pivotal figure in Wolves’ midfield since joining from Flamengo, and with Edwards’ arrival on a 3½-year deal, the midfielder sees an opportunity to help reshape the squad’s identity while confronting the challenges that come with their perilous league position.
This is our moment,” Gomes said in his first interview since Edwards’ arrival.
“We all know what’s at stake. We’ve got to be ready to put everything on the line every week. No shortcuts. This is not just about surviving; it’s about showing who we are as a team.”
Rob Edwards: Stability, Identity, and a Long-Term Vision
Edwards, 41, returns to Wolves having previously coached the club’s Under-23s and knowing the Molineux culture intimately. He left Middlesbrough after building a promising side in the Championship, and his appointment signals a fresh tactical and cultural reset. The manager’s focus is on discipline, attacking transitions, and a coherent team identity, which Wolves desperately lacked during their troubled start to the season under Vítor Pereira.
“Rob brings clarity,” Gomes added.
“He demands high standards, but he also empowers players. That balance is exactly what we need. We’ve had too many moments where the structure and focus were missing, and that’s what we must fix now.”
Edwards’ approach is expected to integrate both experience and youthful energy. Key new signings like Marshall Munetsi, a strong box-to-box midfielder, provide physicality and stability, complementing Gomes’ technical and dynamic style. Together, they aim to form the backbone of a midfield capable of competing consistently in the Premier League.
“Having someone like Munetsi gives us balance,” Gomes said.
“He’s strong in transitions, and he’s someone I can trust to compete in every duel. Together, we can make midfield a real strength.”
The Players Must Take Responsibility
While Edwards’ appointment brings optimism, Gomes emphasized that the players themselves bear a large part of the responsibility for the club’s current struggles and future success. According to the midfielder, a lack of focus and the wrong attitude contributed significantly to the early-season collapse under Pereira.
> “It’s not just the manager’s job it’s ours too,” he said.
“We can’t rely on Edwards to fix everything. We have to take responsibility to fight, to run, to be disciplined, and to push each other every day. If we don’t, nothing will change.”
Gomes’ comments echo the sentiment of a player-led reset within the squad. With the season entering a crucial stretch after the international break, every match represents a must-win scenario to steer Wolves away from relegation danger.
Tactical Reset: What Edwards Wants From Gomes
Under Edwards, Wolves are expected to play a style emphasizing quick transitions, pressing, and positional flexibility. Gomes’ skill set including ball progression, vision, and work rate aligns with this strategy. Unlike Pereira’s tenure, where positional confusion and inconsistent game plans left the team exposed, Edwards appears to favor a structured but fluid system in which players like Gomes can express themselves while maintaining defensive responsibility.
“We’ll need to be brave and smart,” Gomes said.
“Edwards wants energy and intelligence from us. We’ll have to move as a unit, defend as a unit, and attack as a unit. Everyone has to understand their role, and we all have to be ready to do extra work if needed.”
The manager also reportedly encourages young players to step up alongside senior members, fostering a culture of mentorship and accountability. Gomes, as a technically gifted but disciplined midfielder, is seen as someone who can bridge this gap, guiding less experienced teammates through the challenges ahead.
A Squad Rebuild in Progress
Edwards’ long-term vision includes both immediate survival and laying the groundwork for Wolves’ future. The January transfer window is expected to be active, with a focus on players who can thrive in a high-intensity system. Gomes has expressed excitement about potential reinforcements and believes the right additions could accelerate Wolves’ turnaround.
If we get the right players in January, it will be huge,” he said.
“But it starts with us. We have to show the work ethic, mentality, and pride in this shirt. No one can just come in and expect the club to win games by themselves.”
He emphasized that the squad must embrace a “no excuses” mentality, warning that under Edwards, underperformance will not be tolerated.
“If we don’t work hard, if we don’t stick together, we risk repeating mistakes from earlier in the season. We have to own this. No excuses, perform or get out.”
Looking Ahead: Fixtures and Challenges
The schedule after the international break presents Wolves with a stern test, including crucial matches against mid-table and top-tier sides. Gomes knows the team will face intense scrutiny, but he believes the combination of Edwards’ tactical acumen, Munetsi’s physical presence, and his own leadership can help the squad turn a corner.
We know the challenges ahead, but we’re ready,” he said.
“Every game is an opportunity to show what we’re made of. We owe it to the fans, to the club, and to ourselves.”
If Wolves are to escape the relegation zone, the coming weeks will require cohesion, energy, and a clear identity. João Gomes’ words make one thing abundantly clear: the players understand the stakes and are ready to answer the call.
This is our chance to define our season,” Gomes concluded.
“We have the manager, we have the squad, and now it’s up to us. No excuses. Perform or get out.”
