CHILD’S PLAY FOR JIMENEZ
RAUL JIMENEZ wants to mark becoming a father for the first time with a vital goal.
Wolves’ Mexican international striker became a dad to baby girl Arya on Tuesday with his partner, the actress Daniela Basso.
Now Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo says the forward is keen to add to his 26 goals in all competitions at Chelsea.
Nuno (right) said: “Everything went well with his baby and he is ready to go. I am very happy Raul has a beautiful girl.
“Life is good moments, bad moments, happiness and sadness – you just have to live it. A goal would be a good present for the baby.”
Wolves have been in action – except for the enforced coronavirus break – exactly a year since starting their Europa League qualifying.
And they have already banked their highest Premier League points total after coming seventh last term following promotion.
Now though, a win at Chelsea tomorrow will guarantee sixth place and another crack at Europe.
Touchline tensions are sure to be running high, with fourth-placed Chelsea looking to clinch Champions League qualification. Blues boss Frank Lampard was involved in a touchline spat at Anfield with Liverpool’s coaching staff in a 5-3 loss in midweek.
And the Wolves manager and his Portuguese staff upset several rivals with their wild celebrations en-route to promotion in their first season in English football in 2017/2018.
But Nuno said: “We are like a child – we have to be told what to do sometimes. It is not easy but we have been able to control our emotions in a decent way. “Football is a game of such moments of joy and happiness. It is a mix of emotions and sometimes it is hard to control.
“Like everybody, you learn and you look around and see what other people are doing and try to improve.
“I think we have been able to do this since the Championship.”
Conor Coady is due to captain Wolves today, and play in every game of the season for a second successive year.
Wolves lost 5-2 at home to Chelsea in September and now need a win to guarantee another season of European football.
Nuno added: “I am proud already this season. But I always believe our success is in the future.”