Sheffield Wednesday: Why Owls fans have Jose Semedo to thank for brilliant Forestieri

Fernando Forestieri offered a unique insight into life in the Sheffield Wednesday dressing room on Saturday following his masterclass in the Owls' 5-1 win over Norwich City.
Fernando Forestieri celebrates his goal with Jose Semedo....Pic Steve EllisFernando Forestieri celebrates his goal with Jose Semedo....Pic Steve Ellis
Fernando Forestieri celebrates his goal with Jose Semedo....Pic Steve Ellis

The Wednesday forward capped off a stunning performance, individually and collectively with a glorious free kick into the top corner, the fifth of five well-taken goals on a memorable day for Carlos Carvalhal’s side.

And afterwards Forestieri revealed that beside him, he has a personal motivator...in the shape of team mate Jose Semedo.

Fernando Forestieri celebrates his goal ....Pic Steve EllisFernando Forestieri celebrates his goal ....Pic Steve Ellis
Fernando Forestieri celebrates his goal ....Pic Steve Ellis
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Carvalhal has already spoken at length this season about the importance of Semedo to the squad, his leadership qualities and the positivity that he brings with him, but Forestieri went a little further than that by talking about how he is constantly willed-on by the veteran midfielder.

“Semedo sits next to me and says ‘you are the best player, you need to help the team’,” revealed Forestieri.

“I said if I score today I go to you, so I went to him and cuddled him.”

He added: “This is a rare group, a nice group, you can see on the pitch.

Fernando Forestieri with his dressing room motivator Jose SemedoFernando Forestieri with his dressing room motivator Jose Semedo
Fernando Forestieri with his dressing room motivator Jose Semedo
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“Today we showed everyone we can do something important this season. Last season we were in the play-off (final) and we showed we can do it this season as well.

“We need to keep going, train hard every day to show everyone on a Saturday.”

There may have also been a little pride at stake as the 27 year-old also told how he and Ross Wallace were involved in a minor, light-hearted battle that stems from the training pitch.

“Me and Ross are training every day with free kicks, when everyone’s gone home we stay to practise. So we had a little argument - who shoots, you or me?”

Fernando Forestieri celebrates his goal ....Pic Steve EllisFernando Forestieri celebrates his goal ....Pic Steve Ellis
Fernando Forestieri celebrates his goal ....Pic Steve Ellis
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Wallace had already found the net with a stunning drive from fully 40 yards, latching onto a pressurised clearance from John Ruddy in the Norwich goal.

The goals were well shared out, though Jordan Rhodes headed in a brace, while Morgan Fox scored his first for the Owls.

Forestieri’s tally went up to 11 but he said: “It’s more important at this point in the season that we win, it doesn’t matter who scores. I did two assists. If I can score 15 or more OK, it’s good for me and my career, but I want to help my team-mates and Sheffield Wednesday to win or draw every game.”