Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the head coach hinted at the involvement of 21-year-old Kilman, although Nuno refused to say who would take the place of Ryan Bennett in the starting line-up, with the regular centre-back suspended after picking up his tenth booking of the season at home to Cardiff City.
Nuno did, however, confirm goalkeeper Rui Patricio would return to the side for tomorrow’s clash after John Ruddy deputised last weekend.
On Ryan Bennett’s suspension
“He’s been doing very well, but we truly believe who’s coming in will give a good answer. We are versatile enough to have options.
“Even though it’s a small squad the versatility of the players allows us to be comfortable when these things happen. We know this can happen any time.
“When we go back to having the idea of 16 outfield players we need enough versatility in the players to allow the players to do different positions.
“At the same time, we have the back up of Max [Kilman], he’s been involved, he has talent, let’s prepare them. He’s going to be on the list, every player who is on the list could be involved in the game.”
On ‘reaching the level’ of Chelsea
“We don’t want to. We want to make our own way. We don’t have any points to compare. We were in the Championship last season, so it’s a growing process.
“You cannot compare yourself. You have your own process, your own way. It’s a ladder; you have to go step-by-step, don’t look ahead of you, look at tomorrow.
“We don’t look at the table, we have to compete on Sunday, the best way we can against a very tough team, with very good players and a very good manager. It’s a tough stadium to go to.
“We have to know that going there, we have to be ready to compete. It’s a big thing for us; to be truly ready to compete.”
On young English players
“This generation of players; [Callum] Hudson-Odoi, Morgan [Gibbs-White], is one of the best one ever, with a lot of talent.
“I honestly think young English players will get playing time. They are getting chances not only in England, but outside of England.
“They will develop themselves naturally. When the talent is there, just give them time and help them. You don’t have to teach them, just go alongside them.”
On Morgan Gibbs-White’s development
“There’s been a lot of improvement. Both last season and this season, we wanted to provide Morgan with different tools that allows him to become a better player.
“He has it, but he still has to develop. In terms of defensive work, Morgan didn’t have much, now he is much more involved, and he has the capacity to win individual duels. He’s doing well.
“Since last season he’s played a lot of games, had a lot of minutes in the competitions, and his contribution to the team has been very good.
“When the talent is there, what’s more important is the organisation to exploit individual talent and in time provide the players a lot of things for him to improve. Not just focus on aspects which is strong, it’s to provide him with all the tools that the game will require.”
