Transfer gossip not affecting Wolves team, says Nuno

With the January transfer window set to shut on Thursday, rumours and speculation surrounding Wolves’ possible incomings and outgoings are rife.

However, Nuno Espirito Santo knows his players have what it takes to remain focused on their task in hand – this evening’s Molineux match with West Ham United.

In his pre-match press conference, Nuno also spoke about the future of Jonny Otto and how he expects his team to improve defensively.

On the effect of transfer gossip

“You have to work and focus, knowing that what is important is what you do in the training session, what you do during the competition. You have to obstruct yourself from what’s going on around you and I think we’ll be able to do it as a group.

“Sticking to our ethic of working hard, improving yourself, while staying focused.”

On loaning players before buying

“It’s beneficial for everybody – for the player, for the club, for the club that the player belongs. It’s a good option.

“We had the experience with some players last season, we have the same situations again with some players this season and things are working ok.”

On Jonny’s future

“We are very pleased and happy with him and I think he’s also happy to be here with us, working hard, staying focused and knowing that other people will take care of the other business. Our job is to train and compete.

“Myself and Jonny, we only have to be focused on what’s happening on the pitch, and prepare ourselves for the game, we don’t get distracted by anything or anyone.

“He’s very happy here, he has his family here. Everything is OK and nothing has changed. During this period, there’s so much speculation and rumours, you have to be focused and obstruct yourself from what’s going on outside.”

On improving defensively

“Our defensive organisation is always our focus. A lot of things have been going wrong, but it’s not only where it finishes but where it starts.

“We have to improve because we have conceded too many goals – especially at home. We cannot concede at home. We’ve been working on that, so we expect to not make the same mistakes.

“We have to be more solid and more compact, and against West Ham we have a chance to put that right.”

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