Nuno prepared for unpredictable FA Cup clash

Wolves will not underestimate the challenge of League One outfit Shrewsbury Town when the sides face-off in the FA Cup fourth round tomorrow, according to Nuno Espirito Santo.

The head coach believes his players will have to maintain their high standards and compete toe-to-toe with a Shrewsbury side which will be highly motivated to cause an upset against their Premier League rivals.

During his pre-match press conference, Nuno also spoke about his celebrations against Leicester City, the connection he has with the Wolves supporters and why he believes his team have experienced the least amount of injuries among the top flight clubs.

On preparations for Shrewsbury

“We have a tough challenge tomorrow and we cannot think about anything further. Shrewsbury will be a tough challenge away from home.

“All these cup games are unpredictable, and we are prepared knowing that tomorrow we will have to maintain our high standards and compete.

“It’s a big chance for them and we know we’re going to have to match what Shrewsbury are going to have – high levels of motivation, high intensity.

“We only think about competing. We don’t think about the result. We know what we have to do tomorrow, we have to compete, play and be intense and focused. The approach doesn’t change.

“The opponent is always our reference, no matter who it is. It’s about what you want to do.”

On team selection

“We still have to decide, but we don’t have too many options. We have a very small squad and every player is going to have their minutes.”

On Leicester celebration

“Everybody knows it’s hard to contain your emotions in that sort of moment. The last minute of the game which gave us an important victory. It’s difficult to contain your emotions.

“I tried to be as far as possible to avoid the situation, but I think the referee took the right decision, but I think everyone understands why I went on the pitch.

“Not only myself, but I think all managers, players, it’s such a moment of thrill that you sometimes cannot contain yourself.”

On crowdfunding page

“I appreciate it, but for sure that money will go to charity.

“Since the beginning, how they support the team has been fantastic and we are achieving important things together – it’s a pack.”

On improving defensively

“It’s something that we have to improve, we are not concerned because we know there are different cycles during the competitions.

“Sometimes you are consistent and defend well and you are able to score one goal, but all games are different. It’s not a concern, but it’s something we have to improve on.”

On the transfer window

“Nothing has changed. We are on the market, knowing that if it’s a good opportunity to improve we are going to take it. If not, then we will see, but six days to go and we are ready if we have to do it.”

On team fitness

“There are two aspects which are basic when it comes to this.

“First of all, it’s the player himself. The way he respects the ethic of work he has, the way he rests, the way he recovers, the way he prepares himself for each and every training session and then the competition.

“It’s not only the moment you are training, it’s the moment you spend with the physios doing prevention before the training sessions. All these aspects are important. It’s individual issues with the players. It’s the way they focus on their tasks and the way they have to work and take care of themselves.

“The other part is the staff, the physios, the fitness coaches, all these aspects that, until the last detail, we try to know and give the player an opportunity to help them. It’s these two things together.

“But we’ve had different kinds of injuries – some we can prevent and some we cannot avoid; contact or trauma, but we’ve been fortunate and we’re happy with this situation.”

#SHRWOL