Express & Star

Conor Coady blown away by Wolves' reception in China

Wolves skipper Conor Coady says he's been taken aback by the reaction the club has received in China.

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Captain Conor Coady has been blown away by the support for Wolves in China (© AMA / Robbie Jay Barratt)

During an historic week for the club Chinese fans have welcome the players and staff in big numbers.

Events have included a new megastore opening in central Shanghai, a high-end Wolves fashion show and a meal for all staff and players with Fosun chiefs including chairman Guo Guangchang.

There was also a VIP training session where fans could meet the players.

Coady, speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's Premier League Asia Trophy final against Manchester City, told the Express & Star: "I've been taken aback.

"It's been amazing. The week itself in general, the football side and also events off the pitch with Fosun have been fantastic for us.

"More importantly, we've done it right, we've prepared right and made sure we're as fit as possible.

"The way the people have taken to Wolves and taken us in, showed us their support, it's been fantastic.

"We remember where we were three or four years ago as a club, we really do.

"It's been brilliant up to now – it's been a fantastic week."

Coady was at the opening of the Wolves megastore in Shanghai on Monday (© AMA / Robbie Jay Barratt)

Wolves' first official friendly of pre-season was a resounding success, with a 4-0 win over Newcastle United in Nanjing on Wednesday securing their place in tomorrow's final.

Coady says the Man City clash will be ideal preparation for next Thursday's Europa League opener against Crusaders at Molineux.

"Obviously the game the other night was good from our point of view just to refresh our brains from last year," the skipper said.

"We're looking forward to tomorrow

"We want to win every game, that never changes, we want that winning mentality we had last season

"We have a huge game next week we need to prepare right for. There's no better game to be involved in (ahead of that) than playing Man City, it's the game we wanted to be involved in, we'll make sure we do it properly tomorrow.

"We know how good City are, we've seen that last year and in previous years.

"It's important we stick to what we do – we're better when we're a team and in shape. It's important more than ever that we do it tomorrow because Man City are such a great team.

"They have 10 players who can hurt you.

"We're looking forward to it, you always want to test yourself against those sorts of players."