Romain Saiss calls for Wolves to rise to the occasion at Leeds

Saiss returned to the starting line-up for the 2-0 loss after being a substitute for the previous four matches.

He was pleased to be back in the XI – but felt Wolves didn’t do themselves justice against the league leaders, for whom Anthony Knockaert scored both goals.

And the Moroccan feels that if Wolves can play like they did in the first half more often, they’ll start getting somewhere near Brighton’s level.

“We started the game very well, we played the first half very well,” he said. “It was difficult for Brighton.

“After the goal it changed the philosophy. We were not compact, they had big space between the defenders and forwards and it was more easy for us to play.

“We need to keep what we did in the first half and in the next game do the first half again, and in the second half, for 90 minutes.

“If we stay the first half 0-0, maybe the game was different after.

Strong

“When we receive the goal we need to continue to play like the first half.

“For the next game we need to continue like the first half and stay together and compact.

“Brighton is a very good team. They play very well and they stay strong with two strikers and Knockaert. It’s the best team in this league. Brighton play like this for a long time, they have the same manager for a long time.

“We need to build something so that when other teams play against Wolves it’s difficult for them.

“We lost the game for the details. We offer two goals. I think if we didn’t receive the first goal maybe the game is different, because it’s just before the end of the first half.

“We need to continue to work.

“In the second half we play with a big space between the defender and the forward.”

Wolves today travelled to face play-off chasing Leeds United at Elland Road.

The Yorkshire side earned a last-gasp draw at second placed Newcastle on Friday but their play-off position is far from assured. Going into today’s game they were fifth, three points ahead of seventh-placed Fulham.

Saiss said he was looking forward to playing in a big-game atmosphere.

“Hopefully we can rise to the occasion,” he added. “It’s good to play in a good stadium, like Newcastle. It’s good motivation for the players.

“Now we need to prepare and have the ambition to win.

“I’m very happy to be back in the team. I like when we play football like the first half, it’s good for me. I play a good game but I can play better. I hope the next game we beat Leeds.

“I hope we will win every game. We need to finish the season well and prepare for the next season.”

Paul Lambert, speaking after the Brighton defeat, echoed those sentiments and said he was looking forward to the game.

“Leeds away is a great game – a great crowd, a great place to go and play so we’re looking forward to going there and we’ll go and try to win,” he said. “We’re going to have to combat the crowd but it’s a great place to go and play.”

Former Wolves target Chris Wood netted a 95th-minute equaliser for Leeds at St James’ Park in a dramatic 1-1 draw.

That made it four points in two games, after defeats to Brentford and Reading threatened to derail their play-off bid.

Boss Garry Monk was delighted with the result – and called for the Leeds fans to create a rocking atmosphere today to help his team get the win they need.

“We will take a lot of confidence from the result into the game with Wolves and it is important we recover and are ready,” the Leeds manager added.

“We need a big crowd at Elland Road, we need it to be rocking to give the team a push over the line in that game.

“Every point is crucial now, the stadium needs to be packed out and we need our supporters to create that positive atmosphere.

“We have two games left at home and we want to finish on a high, it is important Elland Road is bouncing and we need everyone to come out and fill the stadium.”