Goalkeeper highlights Wolves' biggest shortcoming - but insists they can get better

Jose Sa today acknowledged Wolves need to become more compact at the back to ensure they can make the most of their exciting attacking threat going forward.

Sa, fresh from signing a new contract to extend his future at Molineux, was beaten twice in a dramatic 2-2 draw at Birmingham, leaving Wolves now with the joint second worst defensive record in the Championship.

In contrast, they look excellent going forward and are the division’s top scorers, suggesting plenty of attacking promise for the challenges ahead.

Ladislav Krejci was in from the start at the Knighthead Stadium for his first league minutes of the season, and Sa believes Wolves have it in the building to improve at the back.

“We have Krej and we have Toti, we have a lot of defenders with quality and I am happy to play with any of the defenders in front of me,” said the keeper. “We have built a good squad and I think it is a squad that can fight for what we really want, to be promoted.

“So now it is time to work with what we have and work ahead to go for it.

“We need to start being more compact at the back and not conceding as may goals because we are scoring a lot, but conceding too many.

“In this moment I think it is important that we start to become more compact and start picking up clean sheets which will help us gain confidence as we move forward.”

Sa could do little about Jay Stansfield’s first equaliser and was then beaten by a strong backpass from Jackson Tchatchoua for the second goal, before producing a solid all-round display in the second half, especially in dealing with an array of dangerous Blues’ corners.

“It was a very tough moment for Jackson but it is just one of those things – mistakes happen,” he added. “I always consider goals that were my fault as well, and all you have to do is change that mentality and go forward.

“We were not expecting to concede that goal but I think on both goals we can do better, and that is all of us.

“We still had a lot of time left to try and win the game and we spoke inside that if we had won the second half, we would have won the game.”

With the transfer window now closed, and Sa having committed his future until 2028, the Portuguese international keeper is looking forward to the season ahead.

“I was pleased to sign the new contract,” he admitted. “I know the area, I know the club, I know the fans and I have a lot of love for them.

“We wanted the win today and unfortunately a draw almost feels like we lose.

“But at least we get one point and keep fighting for our target.

“But we are a few weeks into the season and are understanding how the coach wants us to play.

“We are getting there and aiming to follow the plan to make sure we get results.”