Hillsborough giant now fully awake, claims defiant Sheffield Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal
The Owls’ Premier League dream was dashed by Mohamed Diame’s stunning strike but this has still been a campaign to savour at Hillsborough.
A highest league placing since being relegated in 2000 was secured, while Brighton, who only missed out on automatic promotion by two goals, were beaten in the play-off semi-finals.
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Hide Ad“What we have done this season is wake up the giant,” said Carvalhal, who recently signed a new contract extension until 2019.
“Sheffield Wednesday will be more respected in the future, I am absolutely sure of that. We were in 19th position at one stage but achieved the play-offs. We got there with very hard work and by playing very good football.
“In the final, we were up against a very strong team and against players who had been in the Premier League. They have a good coach and the group has been together three or four years.
“We are a strong side but we started our work a few months ago. But Hillsborough became a paradise for our fans. We just lost two games there and beat Arsenal. We gave the fans good football and that is something to build on.”
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Hide AdWednesday were well beaten in Saturday’s final but they did have one big shout for a penalty in stoppage time when Michael Dawson blocked Lucas Joao’s shot with his upper arm.
“I don’t walk to talk after a final about it (the penalty appeal). Hull City deserved to win,” said the Owls chief.