Rob Edwards told Jorgen Strand Larsen ‘keep your head down’ after Wolves fans’ sarcastic cheers
Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Rob Edwards told striker Jorgen Strand Larsen to “keep his head down” after the Norway international was subjected to ironic cheers when he was substituted against Manchester United.
Strand Larsen, who has struggled in his second season in the Premier League, was replaced in the second half of his side’s 4-1 defeat by summer signing Tolu Arokodare.
That decision brought sarcastic cheers from home supporters at Molineux and Strand Larsen looked visibly angry, with his body language suggesting he might react before Edwards put an arm around him and Strand Larsen sat down in the dugout. Edwards then spoke to the forward again at the final whistle.
“I just said: ‘look, stay positive and don’t react now’,” Edwards told a press conference. “It will hurt him. He’s proud, he’s one of the lads that was really speaking before the game, in the huddle, in the changing room and he’s really passionate and spoke really well.
“He is trying. It wasn’t that long ago, against Aston Villa, when I thought he was brilliant, he really was.
“It was a difficult night tonight, So I just told him: ‘it’s difficult now I know that, but keep your head down’.”
Strand Larsen has drawn criticism from supporters since expressing privately a desire to join Newcastle United in the summer transfer window.
Since then he has been hampered by an Achilles tendon injury and he struggled to recapture the form of his impressive debut season as Wolves have found themselves cut adrift at the foot of the Premier League table.
That position led to protests from fans before the United game, with a crowd gathering outside to express their frustration with owners Fosun before thousands chose not to take their seats for the first 15 minutes.
“I understand the frustration totally,” said Edwards. “It’s been over six months since we’ve last won (in the league).
“So I’m not going to sit here and dress it up or anything like. I understand that side of it.
“I’d love it if they supported the players, but again I understand the frustration because of the situation.
“The players are trying, I can promise that, but there’s clearly a lack of confidence and a lack of belief.”
Wolves return to action against Arsenal on Saturday.
