Teams in Europe must get extended break says Nuno

Wolves head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has appealed to the Premier League to give teams in Europe an extended break to protect their players.

The Molineux boss has echoed Chelsea manager Frank Lampard in suggesting squads will need more time to recover from their European exploits.

Wolves host Olympiacos tonight in their Europa League last-16 tie having drawn 1-1 in Athens in March.

They could play until 21 August if they reach the final and, with next season’s Premier League campaign due to start on 12 September, Nuno feels players need to be looked after.

He said: “I’m hopeful the Premier League will look at that and allow the teams involved a little bit more time. Mainly because of the players – they need time.

“We know we have a tight schedule next season and they must be aware of the health of the players and must take care of them.

“The Premier League should acknowledge the teams involved in Europe, depending on how far they go, as the players require more time to recover.

“We are going to play in August and we’re going to start playing again in September. I’m sure they will look at it and adjust the schedule.”

The winners of tonight’s tie will face a one-legged quarter-final against Roma or Sevilla in Germany, where the competition is being finished off in one-off games behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Wolves’ final Premier League game – a 2-0 defeat against Chelsea on 26 July – cost them the chance to qualify for next season’s Europa League via the top flight. Their campaign started more than a year ago in the Europa League qualifiers but midfielder Leander Dendoncker insists they are recharged and ready to play again.

He said: “It has been very long with the break of lockdown and self-isolation but it has been a very nice season as well. We’ve had ups and downs but more ups.”