The “grieving” that Wolves’ players underwent following their FA Cup semi-final loss to Watford in May, according to manager Nuno Espírito Santo, has strengthened their resolve to compete this season.
Wolves will play Manchester United on Saturday. Last season, Wolves defeated Manchester United in the quarterfinals before surrendering a two-goal lead against Watford in the semifinals, who prevailed 3-2 after extra time. Nuno acknowledges that the players’ elimination affected them deeply and that they needed to grieve in order to bounce back stronger.
Nuno remarked, “It was very sad.” “You must experience grief. Grieving is the finest thing to do when you lose someone. I believe that everyone involved felt that sadness, not just me.
Prior to the team’s brief vacation in Spain, Nuno said that the emotion persisted and had an impact on their Premier League performance. “We didn’t play well [and lost 3-1] at Southampton after the defeat.” It’s obvious that we were depressed and unable to rouse ourselves again under those circumstance. However, we took a few days off, processed our sadness, and returned stronger. Life has a way of making you fall low and then get back up to fight again. We are this.
Nuno will be hoping to add to his stellar record against United on Saturday. In their last four encounters, Wolves has won two and drawn the other two. However, as Diogo Jota scored goals in both of those victories, they will have to deal without him this time. Nuno disclosed that the player will be sidelined for a while due to a thigh injury he received after the tackle that resulted in Christian Kabasele’s dismissal during Watford’s New Year’s Day victory over Wolves. The extent of the damage is still unknown. “It’s not good,” Nuno declared. He’s having an evaluation and has previously completed an MRI. We must wait for all of the blood to stop flowing from the collision so
Nuno indicated Jota’s absence heightens the need to use this month’s transfer window to reinforce. “We have a small squad and every time a player is not an option it causes you problems. But to problems we must find solutions and that’s what we are looking for now. We need players. Now I think is the right moment to start working on that. The transfer window gives you the chance to bring things that can improve you.” Nuno confirmed there will also be outgoings from Molineux this month, identifying Jesús Vallejo as one likely departure. The 22-year-old defender arrived on loan from Real Madrid with a glowing reputation last summer but has failed to convince the club that he can make a lasting contribution in central defence, where Nuno has preferred to turn to the likes of Romain Saïss and Leander Dendoncker since the loss to injury of Wily Boly.
