Nuno: Repetition is the key for Wolves
Repetition in training is the answer to ironing out Wolves’ problems, Nuno Espirito Santo believes.
Wolves have lost three games on the spin for the first time in the head coach’s 17-month Molineux reign.
They now face a daunting trip to take on Arsenal at the Emirates. The Gunners are unbeaten in 13 matches in all competitions.
However, the message from Nuno is very much ‘don’t panic’ as he searches for stability and consistency.
“We keep the same routines like we do before,” Nuno said.
“We are focused on the how.
“If one aspect of the game is not achieved, we have to go to the pitch and try to produce – over and over again.
“Repetition is the best, I believe.
“At the same time, I believe the ‘how’ is more important than the result. Some people will say that is not so correct, but for me it is.
“It’s not the results, it’s the how.
“If you want to go back, how we played against Watford was not good – we didn’t play good.
“How we played against Brighton was good, enough to achieve a result – but the reality shows we didn’t.
“What you have to do is improve your performance to achieve the result.
“You adapt, find those solutions, to create the chances.”
Wolves scored twice from the penalty spot against Spurs on Saturday in a 3-2 defeat, but their last goal from open play came at the start of October at Crystal Palace.
Nuno, though, believes that it would be foolish to change the way Wolves play or train. “It’s the same as we do when we had a very good cycle of games,” he added.
“You have to continue improving, continue to find solutions.
“When you come to this moment of the competition, all the teams are better than before.
“You have to grow and improve yourself, individually and as a team.
“I cannot anticipate (for setbacks) so I cannot prepare.
“I have to face when the reality comes.
“Do we have enough knowledge and solutions for when the situation comes, to bounce back and react? We have.
Meanwhile, ex-Wolves boss Mick McCarthy believes Nuno’s team will finish in the top half of the table.
McCarthy also revealed his envy at the millions Nuno has had to spend.
“I had a great time there, it was five-and-a-half years,” McCarthy, who was sacked in 2012, said.
“We just didn’t invest when we were in the Premier League. Nuno had millions to spend in the Championship, and had far and away the best team in the Championship.
“He’s got a good system, a good way of playing football and I’ve tipped them to finish in the top 10. I think they’re a really good side.”