Peter Crouch Burnley
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PremierLeagueStories – #PeterCrouch backs Wolves to get a top four finish this season #WWFC

November 2, 2020
Former Aston Villa and Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has backed Wolves’ bid for a top four finish. The ex-England international turned pundit was commenting after Nuno Espirito Santo ’s men defeated Crystal Palace 2-0 – their third win in the four games since the West Ham upset. That has left them fifth in the embryonic table, one point off second-placed Spurs and only three off the top. Crouch was asked about the prospects for the season in his Daily Mail column – and he did not hold back, saying he loves ‘everything about’ Wolves. Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon8Cancel “They are such class acts," Crouch said. "If you have been a regular reader of my column you will know that I have had my eye on them since they played Stoke in a pre-season friendly in 2018. “I love everything about them, from their manager to the players they have assembled. I’m a big fan of Raul Jimenez but I love watching Daniel Podence, who is making massive strides. “The way I see the league is as follows: it is still a top two — Liverpool and Manchester City are ahead of the rest — but the cluster in behind is getting bigger and stronger and Wolves are definitely established in the group that includes Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal and Leicester. Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this...   And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store “Everton lost on Sunday but they are ambitious too and the more depth we have in terms of competition the better it is for the Premier League. "Anyone who underestimates Wolves would be stupid. They have the ability and talent to stay the distance.” Wolves are next in action against Leicester City on Sunday, the Foxes are due to play Leeds United this evening.
Max Kilman Wolves
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PremierLeagueStories – #MaxKilman reveals how he won #NunoEspiritoSanto’s trust to become first team player #WWFC

November 2, 2020
Max Kilman has revealed how Nuno Espirito Santo has transformed him into a Premier League defender. Kilman has started Wolves’ last four matches and helped the team pick up 10 points and three clean sheets in the process. He’s shown such class this term that it’s strange to think that just a couple of years ago Kilman was plying his trade in non-league with Maidenhead United. “I’m delighted to come in and play my part but credit to all the boys for how well they’ve been playing,” says Kilman. “With the shape we’ve had we’ve made it very difficult for teams and it’s paid off.” Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon8Cancel Learning to operate in the shape Nuno prefers, which has at times this season been a hybrid of 3-4-3 and 3-5-2, has been key to Kilman’s emergence. After spending the majority of his first two seasons at Wolves watching and learning from the sidelines, the 23-year-old has fought his way into the starting XI and looks undroppable on current form. But what else has changed? What has Kilman improved in order to earn Nuno’s trust? “My game understanding and my physicality,” explains the 6ft 4in defender. “When I came in I’d never played five at the back so coming in I’ve had to adapt and understand my role as a defender. Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles “I’ve had to become stronger and sharper and that’s what I lacked when I first came into Wolves. “I had to know when to press, when to get tight to my man, when to cover, and understanding how to cover round my wing-back and work as a five.” It’s an incredibly complex system to learn, hence why Nuno often allows new signings a lengthy period to adapt to his methods. Kilman’s task has been made easier by the support of those alongside him, especially captain Conor Coady who barks out the orders to his teammates from his position as Wolves’ deepest outfield player. Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this...   And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store “He’s a fantastic leader,” Kilman says of Coady. “He knows the right time to give you a bit of encouragement and when he needs to make you concentrate. He’s helped me so much along with some other players.” The likes of Coady, who has incredibly been ever-present for Wolves in their last 118 league matches, will be key to ensuring Kilman maintains the high standards he’s set at the start of this season. Kilman added: “Nuno and the whole staff don't just say ‘It’s good enough’, there’s always room for improvement and they’re always trying to find ways to make us that little bit better.”
Nuno Espirito Santo
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PremierLeagueStories – Words of praise for debutant #RayanAitNouri from Wolves coach #NunoEspiritoSanto #WWFC

October 31, 2020
Nuno Espirito Santo praised Rayan Ait-Nouri for his instant impact on his Wolverhampton Wanderers debut. Ait-Nouri netted the opening goal in the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at Molineux, firing home into the far corner after just 18 minutes. Daniel Podence added a second for Wolves before half-time, while the visitors had captain Luka Milivojevic sent off for a rash challenge on Joao Moutinho late on. Ait-Nouri will grab the headlines though after announcing himself to Wolves fans in stunning fashion following his switch from Angers. Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles “He has talent, I’m really happy for him, everyone is,” said Nuno. “He’s 19, comes to a new country and in his first game in the Premier League was able to score and help the team. “He has been working for two or three weeks now and we see a lot of aspects in which he can improve. That’s the first thing because he is a talented player. “He’s good on the ball and can find good lines. He has to get used to the Premier League, the physicality, the shape of the team defensively.” Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this...   And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store Ait-Nouri replaced Romain Saiss at left wing-back and Nuno has revealed the role the Moroccan defender - also formally of Angers - has played in helping the youngster settle in at Molineux. “He has had big help from Saiss today in the team meeting,” explained Nuno. “His English must improve. He has the basic words but Saiss is helping us hugely in terms of communication. He must improve his English to be able to communicate better.”
Jamie Redknapp
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PremierLeagueStories – #JamieRedknapp supports #OleGunnarSolskjar’s decision to drop #PaulPogba in the last few games #MUFC

October 31, 2020
Jamie Redknapp has backed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's decision to bench Paul Pogba for Manchester United. The Red Devils face Arsenal this weekend and there is plenty of speculation over Pogba's future. The influential midfielder has started just four matches for United this season, failing to find the sort of form that he and Bruno Fernandes produced together last season. It has led to criticism from some Old Trafford legends over the Frenchman, and, speaking to Sky Sports' Pitch to Post podcast, Redknapp says he can see why. He said: "I've always stuck up for Paul Pogba, I must admit. Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon8Cancel "I like the way he plays, he has all the attributes to be the player that we all admire and have spoken so much about, but it seems to be a bit of a problem getting the best out of him for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. "He's not producing the form he should do. "It's a position I played in and I always look at players and wonder if I'd have liked to have played against them. "First of all, I look at Paul Pogba and think I wouldn't want to play against him - he's tall, he's skilful, he's athletic and he can tackle when he wants to. Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles "But he doesn't do enough in the game. Is he affecting the game enough for Manchester United? "All the great midfield players, I'm sure it must frustrate the likes of Roy Keane and Paul Scholes because they know what he's capable of but he's not producing it. "That's why Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has finally come to the conclusion that he can't afford to have him in the team. "It's not about whether him and Fernandes can't play together, they can do, but Paul Pogba's got to do more. "He's got to warrant a place alongside him. When they first played together, we all through it was the dream ticket and the midfield was as good as anyone's, but as of late it hasn't been." Sign up to our Arsenal newsletter for Gunners updates By signing up for our Arsenal newsletter, you will receive a once-daily email, focused around goings-on at Emirates Stadium. You won't miss a thing when it comes to the Gunners - you'll get all you need to know directly into your inbox. We'll also send out special newsletters with any big breaking news too. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article - or any article on the Arsenal section of football.london in fact - labelled 'Get the biggest daily stories by email' and click 'Subscribe'. And that's it, you're all set. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. For more details, click here. Redknapp's words echo Keane's previous criticism of Pogba that he does not impact games enough for the undoubted talent he has. "Obviously Pogba has had his critics because he is so talented," the former United skipper told the Sunday Independent in June. "If you are not performing week in, week out people are going to get on your back. I always say there is a compliment in that. "People know he’s an outstanding talent but for some reason, it hasn’t gelled." He added: "The key for Pogba, if he wants to become a really important player for Man United, is consistency. It’s no good turning up every two or three weeks and producing your piece of magic. "I think he is more than capable of doing it, he has done it before. But do it week in and week out and get Man United competing for titles. I have a lot of time for him. I think he’s a talented boy."
Nuno Espirito Santo
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PremierLeagueStories – #NunoEspiritoSanto admits that patience will be needed for #FabioSilva as the youngster settles in English football #WWFC

October 30, 2020
Fabio Silva isn't wasting a minute in his quest to prove that the £35million Wolverhampton Wanderers paid FC Porto for his services was money well spent. The 18-year-old striker has endured a difficult start to life at Molineux and hasn't featured under Nuno Espirito Santo since the dismal 4-0 defeat to West Ham last month. After two substitute appearances in the Premier League and a tough first start against Stoke City in the Carabao Cup, Silva has been given a watching brief in Wolves' last three fixtures. Opening up on his record signing's start to life in England, Nuno said: "He is working very hard. Every minute of the training session has to be useful. He has been involved in the previous games, not in the best moments, not with a favourable scoreline, so it’s hard. "He’s a goalscorer and he can help us. It requires time. In Compton he is doing very well. He has the squad to help him and he is starting to speak better English and communicate better. It’s step by step, but he’ll get that." Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon8Cancel Despite the large number of Portuguese players and staff working at Compton, Nuno still demands that his compatriots learn English. He actively encourages all of his players to take lessons and some members of the first team squad are capable of speaking in excess of four different languages. "It’s very important," explains Nuno. "It’s the way we speak to each other, it’s the way they communicate. Our key words are spoken during the game in English. Information, instructions, all the details, it’s always in English. "If you speak one word of English mixed with Portuguese, French, Spanish, those in front of you will help. The first thing is to not be afraid, even if you say a stupid thing, don’t be afraid." Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles It's clear Silva - who is the youngest member of Nuno's squad - will need time to adjust to the demands of Premier League football. Nuno admits Silva struggled physically as Wolves were beaten 1-0 by Stoke, with the Portugal under-19 international winning just three of the 21 duels he was involved in. He also missed a gilt-edged opportunity during that game which would have no doubt eased any anxieties. "Everything is new," Nuno continued. "Fabio was involved in some games in the first division of Portugal, he did well but he doesn't have enough (experience). "He's very young, physically he felt it, especially in the game against Stoke. Now he's getting ready, realising with our help what he has to do to take advantage of his talent." Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this...   And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store And in Silva's case that is quite considerable with chairman Jeff Shi describing him as a 'generational talent' and Nuno suggesting earlier this season that his potential is 'huge'. But he isn't just 'one for the future'. Nuno expects Silva to be capable of delivering on Wolves' investment when the time comes. "He has to improve, he has to grow and he has to compete - but he'll be ready."
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories – #OleGunnarSolkjaer provides injury update ahead of big clash against Arsenal #ArsenalFC #MUFC

October 30, 2020
Ole Gunnar Solkjaer has confirmed Manchester United will be without one key player for Sunday's clash with Arsenal. The Gunners head to Old Trafford looking to respond to consecutive Premier League defeats at the hands of Manchester City and Leicester City respectively. Though, in the last couple of weeks, Arsenal have won both of their Europa League games, beating Rapid Wien and Dundalk in their opening group stage outings. But they aren't the only ones to get off to a flying start in Europe, Manchester United making headlines for their performances in the Champions League, beating PSG and then thrashing RB Leipzig this week. Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon8Cancel United will be looking to build on those performances - as well as a goalless draw with Chelsea in the league - this weekend when they welcome old rivals Arsenal. But they won't be helped by a positive coronavirus test which will keep out new signing Alex Telles, the full-back only managing one appearance so far for United since his move from Porto. "Alex won’t be ready, no, so apart from that I would think everyone else looks like they could be involved," Solskjaer said in his pre-match press conference. The United boss recently said on MUTV: "Yeah he's been out now for a little while because he has tested positive for coronavirus. No symptoms, he's fine and we can't wait to have him back." Solskajer also confirmed the latest on goalkeeper Sergio Romero and defender Phil Jones, who are both working their way back from long-term setbacks. Sign up to our Arsenal newsletter for Gunners updates By signing up for our Arsenal newsletter, you will receive a once-daily email, focused around goings-on at Emirates Stadium. You won't miss a thing when it comes to the Gunners - you'll get all you need to know directly into your inbox. We'll also send out special newsletters with any big breaking news too. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article - or any article on the Arsenal section of football.london in fact - labelled 'Get the biggest daily stories by email' and click 'Subscribe'. And that's it, you're all set. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. For more details, click here. "Well, Sergio [Romero] has just come back into training this week, so he’s started his pre-season work and is working to get to his peak fitness with the goalkeepers," he added. "Phil has been injured and had an operation and working really hard to be back, hopefully he’ll get fit in December, when you’re injured you can’t get into the squad, he’s working really diligently and he’ll be coming back soon."