THE MAN WITH THE OLD GOLD GUN
The name’s Daniel, Daniel Podence and he’s Wolves secret spy giving them the lowdown about his old team... OLYMPIAKOS
WOLVES are hoping their ‘spy’ can tonight help spring them into Germany for the Europa League final stages.
Daniel Podence is giving Nuno Espirito Santo’s men inside info on last-16 opponents Olympiakos.
The winger is the perfect double agent after moving to Molineux from the Greek Super League side in a £17million deal in January.
Wolves drew 1-1 in Athens just days before lockdown and now want to finish the job and clinch a quarter-final spot in the minitournament in Germany.
Midfielder Leander Dendoncker revealed that Podence has giving advice about his old team-mates.
Every scrap could prove invaluable as Wolves tackle match No.59 of a season that has now lasted a year.
Dendoncker said: “Daniel knows their team very well. He’s spoken to us about the way they play and their strategy.
“Olympiakos are a very good side and Daniel said they are very strong away from home, which says it all about how difficult this game will be. They
are well-organised and tactically strong. We will be going all out to win because although a 0-0 draw would see us through, we can’t focus on that.”
It’s been a long route since Wolves beat Irish side Crusaders 2-0 on July 25 last year. Dendoncker insists they are not tired, adding: “It’s crazy. It has been more than a year, but we are ready.
“We had a break with the virus, but it’s not the same as holidays. We are not concerned because although it’s been a long journey, it’s a nice one.
“It’s not just a case of being ready physically, but being ready in your head. There are a lot of very good teams left in the competition, yet we are convinced about our own qualities.”
Wolves were pipped for a European spot when Tottenham edged them out on goal difference.
Dendoncker admitted: “That was a massive disappointment. But we’ve still got something really nice going on here.”
Ahead is a golden ticket – with a Champions League place for the winners of the Europa League.