It seems that Vítor Pereira, the Wolverhampton coach, has little plan to use Hwang Hee-chan (29, Wolverhampton).
Pereira said on the 10th (Korean time) through the club's website, "Hwang Hee-chan is a player with outstanding qualities, but currently, we do not have the luxury to give him opportunities in our team's tactics."
This season, Hwang Hee-chan has suffered a long absence due to ankle and hamstring injuries. As a result, he missed 4 matches out of the 6 matches played in the Premier League since April. In the remaining 2 matches, he came on as a substitute and played only a total of 12 minutes.
Hwang Hee-chan, who scored 13 goals and provided 3 assists in 31 official matches last season, performing as the team's ace, has been limited to 2 goals and 1 assist in 24 official matches this season due to injuries and competition. In particular, he has participated in only 3 matches since the hamstring injury in February.
Pereira highly evaluated Hwang Hee-chan's abilities. He explained, "Hwang Hee-chan's movements in tight spaces are clever, quick, and he has excellent technique and finishing ability."
However, he drew the line on whether to use him. Pereira said, "We do not utilize two strikers. We operate the game with one striker. Jørgen Strand Larsen is responsible for scoring."
Strand Larsen, who is currently playing as the main striker, has shown stable performance this season with 13 goals and 3 assists in 35 official matches.
Pereira emphasized, "There are players who are in good condition but do not get many opportunities. That is the reality of football. We must be honest with the players. For now, we cannot give Hwang Hee-chan an opportunity."
He added, "Strikers need playing time for confidence. They need to feel their value as important players by scoring goals. However, that process is never easy."
Wolverhampton achieved a perfect record in 5 Premier League matches played in April. As a result of this achievement, Pereira was selected as "Manager of the Month for April."
Wolverhampton (41 points) is ranked 13th in the Premier League, securing their spot in the top division for next season.
[Photo] Manager Pereira ⓒGettyimages (No reproduction or redistribution without authorization)
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