Mateus Mane ready to be versatile amid Wolves chance

Mateus Mane is prepared to be versatile and do a job for the team as he fights for his Wolves opportunity.

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The 17-year-old has only just signed his first professional contract but is with the first team in pre-season in Portugal and is fondly thought of by head coach Vitor Pereira.

Mane played right-wing-back against Santa Clara in Wolves' behind closed doors training game - a slightly deeper position than the winger is used to - but the teenager is keen to get minutes and is prepared to play wherever necessary.

JJX Logistics, sponsors for the Express & Star Wolves pre-season coverage 2025 in Portugal and Spainplaceholder image
JJX Logistics, sponsors for the Express & Star Wolves pre-season coverage 2025 in Portugal and Spain
Hague Fasteners, sponsors for the Express & Star Wolves pre-season coverage 2025 in Portugal and Spainplaceholder image
Hague Fasteners, sponsors for the Express & Star Wolves pre-season coverage 2025 in Portugal and Spain

"It was a good experience being out there for the first proper time for a while," Mane said.

"And to play in a new position for me, I feel like it went well, but I've just got to get used to it now and see what comes out of it.

"I don't mind, wherever the manager puts me, I'll try to play in it and show them what I can do.

"If that's another way to get myself into the team, I'll try my best and keep going.

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"If the manager needs someone late in the game to play there and no-one else can play there and I can, I'm ready to put me on and I'll be honest and show them what I can do."

Considering his age, Mane is leaning on the head coach and experienced players to help him as he tries to make his mark at Wolves.

Squad veteran Matt Doherty, who played behind Mane at centre-back for most of their minutes against Santa Clara, is among the players that helped the youngster throughout that test.

Mane added: "Especially today, how I was playing out of position, all of them were encouraging me, telling me not to worry, 'if you make a mistake to keep your head up, you don't usually play there but just try your best and you'll do well'.

"Taking that into consideration, I think I did well. 

Mateus Mane in Wolves' pre-season training game against Santa Clara (Picture: Wolves)placeholder image
Mateus Mane in Wolves' pre-season training game against Santa Clara (Picture: Wolves)

"Doc was on my side and was helping me, communicating with me, when to chop back, when to go forward and telling me where to move. So he's been really helpful.

"Larsen been talking to me, Fer (Lopez) as well, telling me when to play in behind and play it short into his feet. 

"They can teach me. They can tell me what happened to them when stuff like this happened, playing out of position and telling me how they dealt with it. 

"They just keep telling me stuff, so it's good."

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