McCarthy Aware Ahead of Massive Midlands Derby
Mick McCarthy was well aware of whats at stake for both Wolves and their fans this weekend when Wanderers meet their old rivals West Brom for the first ever time in Premier League history.
Speaking after training on friday Mick told the waiting press that he understands whats at stake on Sunday.
'[I'm] fully aware of it and I've highlighted it [to the players], where ever your from, whoever your team is, this is this clubs big game, this is important at any stage.
'If this was a cup tie and there were 3 divisions between us it would still be a big game. The fact that we're both in the same league, the fact that we're both vying to stay in the Premiership, both desperately need points, it couldn't be made any bigger.
McCarthy didn't want to play down the hype behind sundays encounter and continued to refer to the weekends derby as a massive game.
'Can we make this any bigger. I would try to embrace any game in the Premiership but the reality is we both want to beat each other, it's a huge derby game.
The Wolves manager has played and managed in a number of big derbies throughout his career and knows what it means to both fans and players alike.
'I understand the bragging rights, the local feuding between both teams and accept it.
'I've played in a few, I've managed in a few and I loved them as a player and embrace them because there's a little more spice involved.
His opposite number Roy Hodgson takes control of West Brom for the first time, but McCarthy wasn't too worried by the prospect of the managers first game inspiring a West Brom performance.
'I'm not sure wether he could stamp his style on them, the way he plays and I do know the way his teams play because I've played against them. Would it be too much to ask in one week to just flip everything on its head, change it, and start doing something completely different, or would it be good for them?
Either way Mick will be hoping his players use the intensity of the occasion to bring out a performance while expecting them to maintain cool heads amidst the drama.
'I've stressed the importance of it and how big it is...It's local derby stuff and I think referees are aware of the size of the game.....nobody wants games to get out of hand [with] needless bookings, because effectively it ruins the game if anyone gets sent off, especially if its one of ours.
If Wolves can take all three points away from the Hawthorns West Brom will drop into the bottom three, while Wolves will leave the drop zone or just the second time since October.
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