Ahead through Ivan Cavaleiro’s goal, Wolves had to show all their character in the face of a Bristol City storm and held on through a combination of brave defending and John Ruddy’s goalkeeping. Fully aware of the challenge at Ashton Gate from last season, Nuno had his team fully prepared and they delivered when it mattered to go through.
On standing up and being counted
“We tried to find solutions, but it’s hard to defend when they put so many people in the box and put in long balls, you hope for the best sometimes. You just have to be ready, when you’re not ready you’re in trouble, if you are ready you’re always able to compete and stay in the game.
“The boys were very brave today. We had bodies behind the ball, protecting our box, it’s very hard. It was about getting the job done. We could have done better when we tried to go out, we played the ball too soon.
“We knew it was going to be tough and the final moments of the game showed how good Bristol City are. We were brave to hold onto the result. It’s tough to come to Ashton Gate and take something away.”
On the performance
“The first-half was well-played. We kept the ball, we had chances and really unbalanced Bristol City, and could have put the game to bed. In the second-half the momentum of the game was with Bristol City, and sometimes the shape needs to adapt and we had to hold on until the end.
“It was two different halves, first-half us, second-half Bristol City’s. The only way to build a team is with discipline and consistency. Everybody involved is important, credit is for the group and the club.
“I respect the competition, but we respect all the games. We’re always trying to pick the best options, that allows us to compete in the best way. I’m very happy. It was very tough but I’m very happy for the boys and for our fans. It’s a moment of joy.”
On Matt Doherty’s impact
“Doherty has been fantastic. He has a big heart, he goes up and down, doesn’t rest and on the other side Jonny. It’s a tough job and we are very, very happy with him. I think last season he had a fantastic season and this was a big challenge to prove himself in the Premier League and he’s doing so well.
“He had a knock and was not able to continue. It was tough, he held on for the maximum he could, but in the end, he had to come off.”
On Bristol City
"They have a lot of quality, we were in the Championship last season, and sometimes, with all respect, some teams in the Championship are as hard as Premier League teams. We looked at our opponents, Bristol City are a very good team with a very good manager, who has his ideas, and he pushes the team to its limits.
“The enormous achievement we made was today. Now we have to make the next step, rest well and prepare for the game against Bournemouth. Let’s see the draw and we’ll think about it.”
