Nahki Wells said Huddersfield Town have embraced head coach David Wagner’s “full throttle football” and is optimistic of another improved performance against Middlesbrough at the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday.

Wells completed the full 90 minutes in Wagner’s first game in charge since replacing Chris Powell, a 3-1 defeat away to Sheffield Wednesday last weekend, with the Bermuda striker encouraged by the changes in the team’s style of play.

“I don’t think myself and others have ever come out of the game so optimistic about a defeat given how we performed for the majority of time,” Wells told the Huddersfield Town website.

“Of course the defeat dampens everything, but I thought for 70 minutes the performance and style of play was great. We really put into effect what the head coach wants.

“We’re all optimistic, hardworking and believe in what the head coach wants us to do. We know, with time, everything will fall into place. For 70 minutes, we nearly had it.”

Wagner’s pressing style of football demands “unbelievable fitness”, according to the former Borussia Dortmund II coach, with his forwards, including Wells, expected to get through plenty of work.

Wells admits the training sessions at the PPG Canalside since Wagner’s arrival have been physically demanding, but insists he is enjoying life under the former United States striker.

“It is definitely a lot of hard work playing like this and training has been difficult,” Wells said. “It’s been like a pre-season, but there’s an element of excitement and enjoyment to the work on the training pitch. It’s competitive — you pick up a few knocks — but it’s exactly what is needed to play in the manner and fashion that the head coach wants.

“I’ve bought into this and I can see that most of the lads have too. The hard workers will shine and anyone that doesn’t want to graft will probably struggle a bit. We have a good bunch of players and a young team, so we’re built for this style of football.”

The former Dandy Town Hornets player has struggled to find his scoring touch this season, with just four goals to his name, but is confident of rediscovering his best form under Wagner.

“We play on the front foot and defending starts from the front,” he said. “However, what made it easy for us last Saturday was the way we kept the ball; that made it easier for me. Because we have the ball much more, I can get into better positions.

“I tried to stay alert and take the opportunities as they came last weekend, but unfortunately we couldn’t work a scoring opportunity for me.

“I was involved in the build-up play, but I know that this style will get me on the end of things more; that’s exactly what I want, and what the head coach wants.

“I know, with the creativity we have, that the goals will come. We just have to keep believing and stay on the front foot, like the head coach wants.”

Huddersfield’s opposition on Saturday, Middlesbrough, are flying high in third position, winning ten of their 17 matches, with Wells describing their defence as one of the toughest in the Sky Bet Championship.

“I definitely expect us to take another step forward this weekend,” Wells added.

“Obviously Middlesbrough will look to counter what we do and play in a similar way, plus they are one of the better teams in the league. However, at this point I think a tough test will help us in our progress moving forward.

“What I can tell you is that Middlesbrough will face a high tempo, high-pressing performance with an element of controlled possession on Saturday. They’ll look to do the same, so it will come down to whose quality shines more.

“I’ve had some good games against Middlesbrough in every performance, but they have one of the toughest defences I’ve come up against in the Championship.

“It is a tough test and I know I have to prepare well, but hopefully I can notch a couple and we can win.”