ASHTON GRATE
Nuno: I’ve apologised for controversial celebration & need no lessons in respect
NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO returns to Bristol City today insisting he doesn’t need lessons in how to behave.
The Wolves boss caused a storm on his last visit to Ashton Gate, 14 months ago, when he wildly celebrated his side’s late winner in the stand after being ordered from the dugout. But the Portuguese boss einsists he meant no offence and says he certainly doesn’t need a lesson in manners. Now the two sides clash in the FA Cup, but Nuno is nonplussed by all the fuss. City boss Lee Johnson stoked the fire this week by saying he was surprised former boss Alan Dicks “didn’t two-foot him” when he celebrated right next to him. The two benches also clashed in the first game at Molineux, but the Wolves boss doesn’t envisage a repeat. Nuno said: “Nobody needs to teach me how to be respectful. I think I did apologise, but if I have to say it again, then I will say it – I’m sorry.
“It was not my intention to be disrespectful. The game was so emotional. And it was so hard for me. I was sent off and I went to the stand. Being there, it means you cannot really help the team. So all the emotions come and they transform themselves into what I felt was a big, big joy.
“It was just a tremendous moment of happiness when we scored. It was so, so important for us in that moment that I cannot contain myself.
“All of us are different. I just try to follow my instincts. Sometimes I know I make mistakes. But at the same time I admit them.
“I apologise when I have to, and I try to avoid them in the future. But I love football and I love my team.”
Johnson and Nuno actually did their coaching badges together and the Wolves boss insists they get on fine.
He added: “The job he is doing is fantastic. They have had nine wins in a row and they are in a good position in the Championship.
“I know how hard the Championship is, so a lot of respect and admiration.”
Wolves are now rated fourth favourites to lift the cup, but Nuno is refusing to get carried away. He added: “We know this game is going to be very difficult.
“My players have big hearts. I’m happy with the way the boys are working and we go there ready to compete.”