The good news for Wolves fans.
In each of the past seven seasons, the team that has been bottom of the league has been demoted.
Thanks to Saudi investment and Eddie Howe, they survived, despite the fact that only goal difference kept them off the bottom of the table. The last team to escape from bottom spot was the one that won the title.
Julen has said that Wolves are about to play a lot of finals.
Chinese owners are aware of the enormity of the task They are prepared to sign up to six new players in the January transfer window but not all of them will start.
A sense of optimism is being fused with a steely determination as Wolves prepare for their return to the top flight at Goodison Park.
It is easy to see the beginning of Wolves' decline. They were two points off the top four at the half-time of their home game with Leeds, but were in control and leading 2-0.
A thrillingLeeds comeback was sealed in injury-time after a thrillingLeeds comeback was sealed in injury-time Over the course of the last two seasons, Wolves have won two out of 16 matches, amassed 11 points and failed to score eight times.
A popular skipper was sent out on a loan to a different team. Wolves chairman Jeff Shi made concessions to allow the deal to go through which were generous but done out of respect for a player who had a World Cup place to earn
There were other issues that were coming to light. The principle of a 'lunch hour' was created by former boss Nuno Espirito Santo. Wolves were promoted to the top flight twice and had a strong dressing room spirit, according to sources. Bruno Lage stopped the policy when he took over.
The medical tests were not done. It was felt that standards were falling.
As the manager, Lage is where the buck stops. The defensive shift from three to two was advocated by the Portuguese. He didn't have credit in the bank to get him through the storm because he was backed in the transfer market.
The first time he talked to Wolves, he was their manager. He wanted to help the Black Country club return to the elite of the English game.
It didn't happen because of the Spain job offer. Both parties were happy with the move. Spain made it to the World Cup. Nuno got Wolves into the premier league after a bad start.
A relationship had been created. After a successful stint with Sevilla, Lopetegui was Wolves' first choice to take over. The Spaniard said yes after a false start due to the ill health of his father and a very public rejection by the Queens Park Rangers.
Wolves Insiders have been positive.
There have been increased demands and accountability. The code of conduct has been put in place. The lunch hour has returned. It's important for a group of players to look less like a bunch of individuals when they are on the pitch.
Lopetegui knows how the game should be played and won't deviate from that.
The system is important to a lot of people. The system can be used in many different ways. You can have as many as you want at the back. You can either go out from the keeper or high press.
The style is more important than the system.
Should Wolves return to the Championship, they're not sure about the future. They like to be positive and focused on survival.
It is difficult to see the union being maintained in the second tier.
Fosun appears to be willing to buck the general trend of Chinese ownership by spending to give the Wolves the best chance of avoiding difficult situations.
One area of improvement stands out. Wolves have trouble scoring goals.
Their tally of eight is three less than the next worst club in the league.
The Wolves had the highest scoring team last season with six points. Pedro Neto and Ruben Neves were equal on five.
When Wolves reached the Europa League quarter-finals, they were beaten by Sevilla, who won the competition.
Wolves haven't scored a goal in the league this season.
It's a damning stat that shows fitness issues as well as a difficulty in finding the net.
Diego Costa is looking for his first Wolves goal. The future of the Mexican is up in the air after he scored from the penalty spot.
The Brazilian can't change the problem on his own. There needs to be a general improvement at the top end of the pitch for Wolves to turn their season around.
Goodison Park is the location for the first finals. Wolves will stay in the bottom three even if they win. The task is difficult and the reputation is at stake.
The man will get it right. Their future is dependent on it.
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