Disappointed With Result But Pleased With Character

Nuno Espírito Santo admitted he was disappointed with only a draw from a pulsating six-goal thriller with Bristol City – but pleased with his team’s character to pop up with a late equaliser through Danny Batth.

Twice Wolves led through Leo Bonatini and Diogo Jota – and twice they were pegged back – but when City went in front eight minutes from time Batth’s swift response secured a point.

“I am disappointed with the result really,” said Nuno.

“I think we did enough to deserve the three points.

“Mistakes and set pieces are situations we need to look at.

“Over the 90 minutes that is what we suffered with and goals coming from set pieces.

“At the same time we showed character when we went down in the game to come back and look for a better result.

“There were too many chances that we didn’t take.

“It was a crazy game and the fans will have enjoyed it but not a good game for the managers!

“It was a game that I think we were the better team when the ball was moving but made mistakes which harmed us.

“We must improve on set pieces because it cannot happen again.

“We have to be more focused and more concentrated and more effective.”

There were several controversial moments during the game, particularly the second half, including the award of City’s penalty which made it 2-2 and when nothing was given as Batth was sent sprawling in the opposition area.

Nuno says he remains more concerned about increased protection for his players, repeating concerns he has stated previously.

“It is difficult as it is a tough job as a referee,” he explained.

“The handball was so far away from me and I don’t know how far the player was away when we kicked the ball.

“I think it was a clear penalty (on Danny Batth) and the referee will see that when he looks at it again.

“But I do not judge because I know it is a tough job.

“I think it goes beyond these incidents in the boxes when we talk about penalties.

“Our players suffer and I think they should be protected more from aggression because the referee should protect football.

“What I would judge is the yellow cards and the criteria on all these situations.

“We are a team which wants to play football and I think we need to protect these players who want to play – kicking is not football.”

Nuno also ended on the positive of the late fightback from his team who are continuing to look a potent, attacking threat going forward.

“We have been building spirit from day one,” he said.

“Never give up and anything is always possible.

“The team is showing that game by game and showing that character to look for a better result.

“Today it was not possible and we are not happy with a draw.

“It is about getting points and we need points.

“Let’s keep on growing and keep getting better and I just want to thank the fans for the support that we had tonight.”

#WOLvBRC