Santo proud of Wolves despite average season
Nuno Espirito Santo believes his Wolves side have taken another step forward this season, despite a drop off in returns in the Premier League.
Wolves finished seventh in each of the previous two Premier League campaigns following their promotion as Championship winners in 2018, but they go into their final four games – starting against Brighton today – in 12th place, with the battle for Europe realistically beyond them.
But the list of mitigating factors starts with a number of serious injuries. Raul Jimenez, Jonny Castro Otto and Pedro Neto have all been hit hard, while the likes of Daniel Podence and Willy Boly have struggled with repeated injuries.
The situation has led Nuno to admit it might be time to reassess his belief in working with a small squad in the future, but he said he was proud of how his players had dealt with the situation over the last nine months.
“I think we should all be very proud of the work we have been doing together,” Nuno said. “All the players who were here since the Championship, all the members of the club that have helped us to do the work we have been doing.
“Of course we are always looking for improvement of the team and of the club. It depends on the analysis you have, but I think we have been able to improve throughout the season, even though the table doesn’t reflect that.
“But I think the way we have been able to deal with the situations, always putting aside conflict and realising we have to work together, I’m very proud.”
Graham Potter believes Danny Welbeck is loving life at Brighton and is hopeful of keeping the former England forward at the Amex Stadium.
Welbeck has grown into an influential player for the Seagulls since arriving as a free agent in October, but is out of contract in the summer.
The 30-year-old helped put Albion on the brink of Premier League safety with a fine individual effort to seal last weekend’s 2-0 win over Leeds.
“He’s in a really good moment,” said head coach Potter. “He’s enjoying his football and in training he looks like he’s an 18-year-old, just influencing the game. We will sit down at the end of the season and try and find the right solution.”