Toti Gomes
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Wolverhampton Wanderers are currently based in the Algarve for their warm weather training camp, a setting that feels like home for local boy Toti Gomes. The 26-year-old defender, who recently captained the team during their last Premier League match against Crystal Palace, is embracing his new role as a senior figure within the squad. This pre-season marks an important step for Toti as he assumes more responsibility and aims to set an example for his teammates.
Toti said: “Pre-season is going well. It started in Wolverhampton, the first days, the medical tests and everything. It went well. We are building up slowly, waiting for everybody to be in the group. Most of the rest of the group met us here in Portugal. The weather’s been good, everybody’s doing their best. It’s good to see everybody get back to work. It’s not easy, but it’s good to prepare. When the season starts, we’re going to be even more ready, as we’ve been training in this heat. So, it’s good to be here, because I know the weather is good, it’s good to train here and the mood is good too. I’m not far from home, just two hours, so my family are close. Of course, a few leaders that left. But now we need to look at the players that are here, and we need to step up as well. I think I’m one of those players, not just me, other guys like Jose Sa, Doherty as well. I think we need to step up, give some examples, and help everybody to integrate in the team. It’s a big responsibility, but a proud moment when you are one of the captains for the team, it shows the respect that they’re giving to you and using the armband shows you need to show some respect and try to be one of the leaders from the team.”
He added: “I was always someone that likes to talk on the pitch, on the training ground, but I didn’t have a big voice before, and I learned that. I remember the first captain that I had, Conor Coady, he was always telling me, especially us being centre backs, we need to have the voice. We are the players at the back, and we see the whole game in front of us. So, we need to have the voice, and it’s very important, – having someone like that in the team is going to help you.”
Toti’s reflections highlight the importance of leadership and communication, particularly for players in defensive positions. His comments underscore the significance of stepping up to fill the void left by departing leaders and fostering a cohesive team environment. As the Wolves prepare for the upcoming season, Toti’s proximity to home during the training camp provides a comforting backdrop to his growing responsibilities. The defender’s acknowledgment of the need for vocal leadership aligns with the guidance he received from former captain Conor Coady, emphasizing the critical role of communication in orchestrating the team’s defensive efforts.
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