A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Wanderers boss Nuno reckons Prem challenge is every bit as hard as taking on Europe’s elite
WOLVES boss Nuno Espirito Santo says the quality in the top flight makes it feel like he’s playing Champions League football every week.
The Molineux chief takes his side to West Ham today still looking for his first win since returning Wanderers to the top flight. And the Portuguese boss says the standard in the Premier League is just like Europe’s elite competition.
Nuno’s men steamrollered their way to the Championship title last season, but says he won’t be listening to any ‘Mind the Gap’ warnings after stepping up.
He’s pals with West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini, but that will count for nothing when the two lock horns this afternoon.
Nuno said: “The quality of the players and managers in the Premier League means it’s like playing Champions League football every week.
“It’s a big challenge, but we’re motivated and prepared. Do I have worries? It’s my job. All that matters is what you can control. I have total trust in my players because this all started last season. We have virtually the same players and it’s a growing process.
“We don’t make comparisons between being in the Premier League and the Championship. Knowing the way we play, then we have to believe in ourselves. We just have to keep our standards.”
Wolves made a lot of cynics sit up and take notice last weekend when they drew 1-1 with champions Manchester City.
Nuno added: “The performance was good. We were intense and focused, but that match is over now. We move on to West Ham. “They are a good team. I know Pellegrini well and admire him. We first met at a UEFA forum in 2014-15 – a big moment for me because it was for Champions League managers.
“I’ve spoken to him since and we will have a chat before and after the game. I like the way he does things.”