The Joe Edwards debrief – Chelsea 2 Wolves 0

Of course, a massive game against Olympiacos in the Europa League is coming up next week, but first, let’s go over the second straight seventh-place finish.

What has been achieved

This 2-0 loss at Chelsea – and the manner of it – was not the way anyone wanted things to end.

But on the whole, it has been a remarkable effort from Nuno Espirito Santo’s charges.

Beating last term’s top-flight points tally, despite playing 15 games in the Europa League to this point, is something you have to admire.

At the same time, though, some are feeling a bit disappointed – and that is understandable.

Take into account that Wolves were seven points ahead of Tottenham, who leap-frogged Nuno’s side into sixth on Sunday, with six games to go, you cannot help but wonder what might have been.

With fewer questionable refereeing decisions and no last-gasp winner for Sheffield United, maybe they would have even claimed a Champions League place.

Ultimately, though, it is done now, and a close eye will be on Saturday’s FA Cup final.

If Chelsea win, Wolves will be back in the Europa – having to go through the qualifying rounds again, although they are less gruelling this time as they are due to be one-legged.

They could win this term’s Europa League and get into the Champions League, too.

All things considered, it has been a top-drawer campaign.

Wolves beat Manchester City twice and picked up what, at the time, felt like a hugely significant victory at Spurs in early March.

It is such a shame that supporters were not able to fully enjoy the last weeks of the term, but there is a great deal to be proud of. This is a truly superb team, with a phenomenal manager.

Looking ahead

While being able to assess, now is also an apt time to think about the future.

The transfer window is open and, naturally, Nuno and the recruitment team will be having discussions over how to improve things.

Wolves have had a small squad over the past couple of years. Nuno firmly believes in that philosophy and would like to stick with it.

But there is scope to bring players in, while still adhering to that approach.

You would like to think that, in an ideal world, three or four serious first-teamers will come in.

Wolves have no obvious weaknesses, but a centre-half seems to be something that most people would want.

A right-wing-back to challenge Matt Doherty for his place would help, as would a more attack-minded midfielder.

Then, finally, with top scorer Raul Jimenez hopefully sticking around, another striker would not go amiss either.

The Mexican has been sublime but, as shown at Stamford Bridge, has looked tired over the past few weeks.

It is no surprise, really, given the fact he barely had a break last summer.

Nuno always states Wolves’ desire to get better, and so do all the players.

And to give themselves the best chance of another strong finish in the league again next season, reinforcements will have to be made.

Olympiacos

But in the immediate future is the last-16 second-leg with Olympiacos.

It is very unlikely to be straightforward for Wolves, either.

The Greek side won their league and gave Nuno’s charges a tough game in March, with 10 men for a lot of it, let’s not forget.

Nuno acknowledged after losing at Stamford Bridge that Wolves need to ‘compete better’ a week on Thursday – and fingers crossed they do. It would be anybody’s game in Germany.