‘It’s a good start but we are still big underdogs’
David Wagner keeps his targets in check despite Huddersfield’s form, writes Luke Edwards
Regardless of the euphoria that came with promotion, and the optimism generated by Huddersfield Town’s winning start to their first Premier League campaign, manager David Wagner remains cautious. After two successive wins against Crystal Palace and Newcastle United, Huddersfield have reason to be encouraged, to believe they can compete, but he knows there will constantly be cause for concern. That is why he will make sure they remain “humble”. It is all part of the underdog role they have assigned themselves and Wagner is playing it perfectly.
The Terriers are living a dream but dreams can be crushed. For those still pinching themselves at how well things have gone on their return to the top flight after a 45-year absence, there is a cautionary tale that highlights how hard reality can hit. When Wagner is reminded that another Yorkshire club, promoted via the play-offs, Hull City, also won their opening two games of the season a year ago, he nods, adding an exuberant thigh slap to emphasise his agreement.
Hull did not win another league game until November, sacked head coach Mike Phelan in January and were relegated in May.
“Absolutely, that is exactly right,” said Wagner, who would be in no danger of losing his job even if Huddersfield were to return to the Championship next year. “We are very aware of what happened to Hull and my dressing room is not stupid. We know it is a good start, but it is only a start. We are humble enough to know this, but we are also ambitious enough to try and make sure it is enough to get us towards where we want to be. It gives us a chance to be successful.
“I wouldn’t say it means nothing, because I’d much prefer to have six points than zero points after two games, but we also realise we have not actually achieved anything yet. We remain the biggest underdogs.
“Having said that, as a promoted team, it was important that we won a game early. After the first two games, we have the feeling that we can be competitive in the Premier League. That is an unbelievable