Always Progressing

Nuno Espírito Santo was a satisfied man after launching his Wolves tenure with win against Middlesbrough – but quickly set about eyeing further progression for his team.

Leo Bonatini, one of seven Wolves debutants, made no mistake for the only goal of the game, the striker with the squad number 33 finding the net in the 33rd minute to clinch all three points at a packed out Molineux.

“I thought it was a good game and a tough game,” said Nuno.

“We played very well in the first half, creating chances and had good possession of the ball and control of the game.

“We should have done better in the second half, especially at the start of the half when we could have tried to finish the game.

“Because of that we had to suffer, but we were together as a Wolves pack, fighting for the ball and getting the three points that we deserved.

“Middlesbrough are a very good team with a very good squad and this was a good test for us but we were ready.

“We are still not the final product, we always want to progress and make it better.

“We are growing in the right way, and it is not all evaluated yet.

“Each game, each training session, it is about working hard and making it better, about building an idea and building a team.

“There is no perfection, we have to make sure we get better every day.”

Nuno said Wolves played well in both aspects of the game both in and out of possession, but there remains much work to be done.

“We faced today one of the big teams in the Championship,” he added.

“We have to recognise and be humble enough to know we will suffer in games but we have to do that in an organised way and know the moment to go out and break up the game.

“Today we were organised to defend in the right moments as we should do.

“Leo scored the goal and did a good job, and it was an important goal for us in that moment.

“The two different moments of the game are very important, when you have the ball you must know what you have to do, having possession and trying to push the other team back.

“Out of possession we were organised and controlled the middle of the pitch.

“We focus on us, and our own work, and we are back in for training again tomorrow.

“It is a long way, but we have three points, and now we play on Tuesday again and then on Saturday.

“But we are in the right way, and that is what I am pleased with.”

Nuno meanwhile was delighted with the reaction of the fans who pushed Wolves all the way on an afternoon when the fans showed support both for keeper Carl Ikeme and also Middlesbrough Academy scholar Anthony Renton.

“Once again Molineux was a pack with everyone pushing in the same way,” he added.

“We always ask for this support and we will give it back on the pitch with our effort.

“The atmosphere was fantastic and we have to say thank you for the support of the fans.

“We knew it was a special day for all of us and the fans supported us.

“We want to build this engagement between the team and the fans so Molineux can become a difficult place for opposition teams.”