Carlos Carvalhal urges Sheffield Wednesday not to 'lose focus'
Sheffield Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal was not getting carried away with his team's promotion prospects
Sheffield Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal was not getting carried away with his team's promotion prospects despite a comprehensive 4-0 victory over 10-man Brentford on Saturday.
The Bees were up against it from the fifth minute when Yoann Barbet was sent off for upending Gary Hooper on the edge of the area, and goals from Fernando Forestieri, Hooper, Kieran Lee and Lucas Joao lifted the promotion-chasing Owls into the play-off positions.
Carvalhal felt his side were worthy winners, but was keeping his feet firmly on the ground.
"We played well,'' the Portuguese said. "We now have one week to prepare for Preston.
"I think that the red card was was clear, as (Hooper) was through on goal, one on one.
"Even though they were down to 10 men, we prepared very well, explored our spaces, moved the ball and changed the speed.
"More important to me was the transition, the way we worked when we lost the ball. We were organised enough not to give Brentford opportunities.
Wednesday soon capitalised on their man advantage, with Forestieri heading in a deflected Daniel Pudil cross from close range.
Hooper's half-volley doubled the hosts' lead on the half-hour mark and, on the stroke of half-time, Kieran Lee added a third with a close-range strike.
Substitute Joao sealed the rout in the 89th minute, smashing the ball past the despairing David Button from just inside the area.
Carvalhal continued:
"My consideration is the same as the beginning. We are outsiders in this competition. We have a new coach, 15 or 16 new players.
"We are not the favourites. We don't want to lose focus. The position (fifth) is not important if we don't win the next game.
"For me, the most important thing is the team. Everything will be good if you win the next match. Everything around this, records, best player, best coach and so on, is artificial.
"Preston is the most important. We know it will be a tough game. We must be ready for a really really tough game.
"The position? Let's see in May.''