Nuno looking to implement footballing philosophy at Wolves
Nuno Espirito Santo is placing a heavy emphasis on technique and ball-work in his early training sessions as Wolves boss, as he looks to build a team capable of challenging for promotion.
The ex-Porto head coach had been holding double sessions every day at Compton Park after most of the players reported back last week following a post-season break.
While there's plenty of physical training too, Nuno said patience and persistence was key as he looks to implement his playing philosophy on his new squad.
"I'm looking forward to (the season) but this is the moment to prepare well for the competition, not think about the competition itself, but to prepare well and be ready to start on August 5," he said.
"First of all it's hard when you want to build something – you have to look, to have patience and be persistent on our ideas.
"This is the training we do. It's all about the ball – players sometimes are not so used to always being in contact with the ball from day one.
"But this is our idea, that we want to build a team that's capable of building good football."
The impending record signing of midfielder Ruben Neves for £15million will take Fosun's transfer spending since buying Wolves to £47m.
With Nuno being the man charged with pulling it all together this season, he knows it's his job to help get Fosun a return on that investment.
"This is our responsibility here on the pitch, to work well and prepare the team to win," he added.
"Of course since Fosun came to the club a new life came to Wolverhampton. All my life is made of challenges, all the clubs I've been (at) were made of challenges."
Four new signings have arrived already – all defenders – in Ryan Bennett, Roderick Miranda, Phil Ofosu-Ayeh and Barry Douglas.
A fifth – Willy Boly – is expected to sign today on a season-long loan from Porto.
The 26-year-old 6ft 3in centre half was at Compton Park yesterday to undergo a medical with the two clubs having agreed the deal.
It’s believed Nuno is considering playing three at the back next season, hence the large number of centre backs at the club including captain Danny Batth and Kortney Hause.
Nuno said his new charges would have no problems adapting to the rigours of the English Championship, helped by those who are already at the club.
"I think they'll get along very well," he added. "First of all it is a good group – the dynamic of the group is good and the players that are already here, that's a big help.
"In terms of football it's global, so I think they'll do very good.
"It's a squad capable of good work. They're working well, it's very hard sessions every day, a lot of physical training. This is the moment to work and work well – that is our focus.
"We have players that already (signed) here. One thing we always think of is that for a player to come he has to improve the squad. (They would have to) improve what we have, the (new) players will bring better and different things that we can take advantage of."
