IT’S ALL-OUT WARNOCK
Nuno hits back at Cardiff boss: I know all about respect... I’ve coached in the Champions League
WOLVES’ Premier League-bound boss Nuno Espirito Santo has angrily hit back at Neil Warnock’s claim that he lacks respect.
Nuno was accused of snubbing British football’s “etiquette” by Warnock after the pair clashed over a forgotten handshake at Cardiff City on Friday night.
Warnock refused to accept an apology and told the former Porto boss to “f**k off ” following the Championship leaders’ 1-0 win.
But Nuno reckons he knows plenty about managerial airs and graces, having worked in the Champions League – unlike Warnock.
“It was nothing to do with football etiquette or manners,” insisted Nuno, who last week said sorry to Tony Pulis for more excessive celebrations.
“I have been involved in football for many, many years. One of the officials told me that, in Britain, there is this habit of shaking hands. I understand and I’m sorry. I will try to avoid this situation.
“But nobody can doubt my football education. Nobody can doubt about me being respectful. Last season, I was coaching in the Champions League, and now I’m very proud to be coaching in the Championship.
“I said publicly, if Warnock wants to see me in my office, I will say these exact words – I am sorry, Neil. I am sorry, Tony Pulis. I came to Britain and I will try to adapt. But don’t ever, ever say that I’m not a respectful person.” Warnock’s refusal to accept any apologies has angered Nuno and their feud is likely to continue in the Premier League next season with both clubs still on course for automatic promotion, despite City’s first defeat in 14 matches, which saw them fail to convert two stoppagetime penalties. Warnock has accepted that Wolves are home and dry as champions – they are nine points clear of the Bluebirds – but could not resist the suggestion that Nuno’s team reflect their manager’s character. “They are safely up, now,” said the 69-year-old boss as he chases a record-breaking eighth promotion of his career. “They have quality but they never really threatened us. In this country, you need more than just ability – stuff that we had in abundance. “If you don’t feel low after a defeat like that, then you’re in the wrong game.”