What Wolves manager Bruno Lage wants his players to do as they face Southampton at Molineux

Wolves manager Bruno Lage wants consistency from his players as they prepare to face in-form Southampton at Molineux.

The Saints have enjoyed a much-improved run over the last month with their midweek 4-1 hammering of Brentford extending their unbeaten run to a fifth game in all competitions.

Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side currently three places and four behind Wolves, who could move to within two points of the Europa League spots with a win this weekend.

However, Lage has urged his squad to continue their own impressive form when they take on what he described as “a strong opponent” on Saturday.

He said: “The most important thing is we continue to play the way we’re playing.

“That’s why we talked with the players, and that’s the pressure for them, no excuse, we need to continue to play in this way. After, the good things will come.

“We play another game, against a strong opponent, Southampton are also in a good moment, they are a team that can play in different ways.

“They are very good when they play a line of five, usually they play a line of four, but against Tottenham and Brentford they played five and can play with two or three midfielders.

“Tomorrow, with a big ambition to play, that’s the most important thing.”

Lage also gave his support to young striker Fabio Silva as he continues to show signs of improvement in recent weeks.

The 19-year-old arrived at Molineux with a big reputation when he completed a £35m move from Porto in September 2020.

After taking time to settle in the Midlands, the Portuguese youngster looks to be getting to grips with life in the Premier League.

Lage explained: “I believe a lot in him, and he can be a top striker, but for now, he needs to put all his talent every day into training and after, when he goes to matches, it’s easier.

“If he goes with happiness, we feel very happy because he’s doing very well, he’s helping the team, and he’s happy.”

Yerson Mosquera, Pedro Neto, Jonny Castro and Hwang Hee-Chan will all miss the game through injury and defensive duo Willy Boly and Romain Saiss are in action at the Africa Cup of Nations.

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