Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Hurst is looking for more of the same from his players when they take on Wolves this weekend.
Town produced a good performance to beat Aston Villa 2-1 last Saturday with goals from Zak Jules and Arthur Gnahoua.
“It’s about the standards that we want to set collectively and as a group moving forwards”, Paul told ShrewsWeb.
“It’s pre-season and if you get too caught up in results you can certainly get too carried away or too despondent.
“As I have said before it’s not all about the result, it’s about the performance and ultimately if Wolves play as well as they can and we do then we would expect Wolves to win, but it’s about applying yourself correctly.
“I think we will come up against a different style against Wolves and for me it’s about keeping standards and it’s also an opportunity for those who get more of the game to really stake a claim and try and make sure they are in that team for the first game of the season.”
Town started with five new faces in the starting 11 against Villa last week, but Paul admitted he would make a few changes as the fitness levels begin to build.
“It won’t be the same 11 that’s for sure”, admitted Hurst
“We might just have a look at something a little bit different, but it doesn’t matter what system you play, it’s about you as an individual doing your job to the best of your capability and trying to impress.
“I think we look pretty good on the fitness front. It’s been a tough week and the lads are just starting to fatigue again. There were some tired bodies yesterday and again today, although it’s being tapered down today and tomorrow to make sure we have something in our legs.
“There’s no point just working and then getting to a Saturday and they can’t perform how you would want them too, so we are starting to taper down today and tomorrow so there is hopefully some freshness in their legs for the game.”
Hurst is expecting a difficult game against Villa, but believes it will be a different test to the Villa game with Wolves appointing Nuno Espírito Santo this summer.
“I think they will be a different challenge than what they were last season and probably from what Villa posed”, Paul said.
“I think there will be a different style of play. From what I’ve heard and read, and the fact they’ve got a foreign manager, they are looking to play out from the back a hell of a lot with lots of intricate play.
“I think there’s been lots of impressive signings for them and they will go into this season very optimistic I’m sure because of the money that’s been spent and the commitment that’s been shown from the owners, so I think it will be a very tough game.”