‘He’s had his head turned’ – Wolves star causing ‘major’ concern behind the scenes
Wolves have endured an awful start to the season so far with concerns of relegation growing each week and ongoing issues behind the scenes.
Vitor Pereira‘s side lost 2-0 to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, leading to questions about the manager’s position while they remain at risk of being cut adrift.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 14 October that Wolves are not considering sacking Pereira as things stand and hope he will be the man to turn around their fortunes.
However, concerns are lingering behind the scenes, while a number of star players have yet to live up to expectations, contributing to the poor form at Molineux.
The likes of Joao Gomes and Jorgen Strand Larsen are among those facing heavy criticism, as they remain winless after eight league games.
Jorgen Strand Larsen has ‘had his head turned’
Criticism of Strand Larsen has emerged after Newcastle were heavily linked with the Wolves striker during their pursuit of an Alexander Isak replacement during the summer.
That interest is believed to have turned the 25-year-old’s head, despite his decision to commit to a new contract at Molineux last month after failing to secure a move.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the striker’s dip in form will be a “major” concern for Wolves’ chances of survival.
“Strand Larsen’s form is going to be a major worry for them,” he told Football Insider.
“His goals have been so important to them, so when he isn’t at his best for whatever reason, that’s immediately going to make them a worse side.
“It may well be that he’s had his head turned by the interest from Newcastle.
“He was highlighted as a potential replacement for Isak up there, but obviously it didn’t happen.
“He could have a bit of a hangover from that move not going through, it’s something that happens quite a lot if the player has his mind set on a potential move.
“That would be one reason for his struggles this season, but even if that isn’t the case, he needs to pick up his form quickly because Wolves are in a really bad position.”
While a move to Newcastle is no longer on the table after they landed deals for Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, other clubs are believed to be keeping tabs on the Wolves star.
Wolves concerned about Strand Larsen injury latest
Brown told Football Insider on 21 October that Wolves are concerned about Strand Larsen after the latest on his ongoing injury issues at Molineux.
Pereira confirmed [via Wolves’ official website] that Strand Larsen has been struggling with a reoccurring achilles tendon injury and is barely training in between games.
That issue has now become a “major” concern for Wolves as they attempt to balance the risk that they could lose a crucial player against their need to pick up points.
Strand Larsen has yet to score a goal in the Premier League so far this season, and averages 0.5 shots on target per game, further highlighting Wolves’ struggles. [Sofascore]
Concerns about his head being turned as well as a major injury issue are continuing to grow with each passing game, and the pressure is now on him to perform.
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