Express & Star

Derby boss Gary Rowett: "I've been impressed with Wolves"

Derby boss Gary Rowett admits he's been impressed with Wolves – but felt his team made the game too 'nice'.

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Goals from Barry Douglas and Ivan Cavaleiro gave Wolves an impressive 2-0 victory at Pride Park.

Rams boss Rowett criticised his team's defending and said it was too early to say if Wolves were promotion contenders.

"We had lots of possession and lots of the ball, but Wolves can make it difficult for teams by dropping into a strong, compact, shape," he said.

"It was a really sloppy (first) goal from our point of view. It was a great strike but it's going wide, it goes off Keogh’s leg and in.

"I was disappointed to be a goal down when there wasn’t a lot in the game at that point.

"Wolves are a good team, I saw them outplay Middlesbrough. They’re a good side, they defend in numbers, block space and make it so that you’re frustrated.

"As we saw for the second goal, they can then go and counter you. There were too many times they played round us and out the other side to the wing back.

"We spoke about the fact Wolves would want a nice game because of the players they have got, but we weren't physical enough in those areas.

"I’ve been impressed with them when I've seen them.

"It’s difficult to tell at this stage of the season (if Wolves are contenders). How many teams will be looking at us and saying we’re contenders.

"There's elements of their game that will cause teams problems as they have done with two decent teams in ourselves and Middlesbrough.

"They look like they’ve recruited quite well but they’ve spent big money too. You have to remember that – they’ve spent £15m on one midfielder."