‘Crazy’ China trip amazes Wolves' Morgan Gibbs-White
Wolves’ successful trip to China displayed just how much the club has grown over the past few years, says academy graduate Morgan Gibbs-White.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have not long returned from heading out there for the Premier League Asia Trophy, which they won by beating Newcastle 4-0 and then Manchester City on penalties.
Gibbs-White scored in the first game and also took part in several off-pitch activities in club owners Fosun’s homeland including the opening of a Wolves Megastore in Shanghai.
Reflecting on a hectic week in the Far East, the 19-year-old said: “The fanbase is crazy. What Fosun have built is crazy.
“Two or three years ago, it was nothing like this – absolutely nothing like this.
“Now, to see where Wolves are and what Fosun has built, it’s crazy.
“I’m really happy to be in such good hands. And since Nuno came in, it’s just been positive after positive.
“Hopefully, we can keep that mentality and keep the confidence going.”
The couple of games in China were ideal preparation for tomorrow’s Europa League second qualifying round first leg against Crusaders, from Northern Ireland, at Molineux.
And Wolves’ popularity in the Far East has been strengthened by taking part in the tournament.
City, who Wolves beat in the final, have been branded ‘disrespectful’ by Chinese state media, though.
Xinhua’s English language website published on article which read: “An attitude of arrogance and the belief that they were the main attraction to the Premier League Asia Trophy was misplaced and stood in direct contrast to the other clubs.
“Wolves could not do more to engage with fans and even Newcastle, despite arriving under a cloud of off-field negativity, treated China with the utmost respect and dignity. Those clubs leave China with a new-found respect and new fans; Manchester City leave China with neither.”
City chief Pep Guardiola has since come out and slammed the ‘false’ criticism, adding: “We had an incredible time in Shanghai. We were committed to the co-operation you have to do here in China.
“I can’t understand what people are saying – maybe one journalist is a bit upset, I don’t know why – but it’s far away from the reality.”
