Shropshire Star

Manchester City v Wolves: Nuno calls for players to give 'everything' to beat Cityzens

Nuno Espirito Santo believes his Wolves side is steadily improving but must give ‘everything’ to have success against in-form Manchester City.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Nuno Espirito Santo

Wolves arrive at the Etihad Stadium in some renewed form of their own, after poor spell, now going five games unbeaten in the Premier League.

Adama Traore has enjoyed games against City in previous seasons and although he has yet to score in the league this campaign, his improved form has helped Wolves to better results – and Nuno insists Traore’s improved displays is a result of the team putting in better performances.

“All the players are looking forward to competing because we realise we are going to compete against a really tough opponent,” Nuno said.

“A quality and talented squad. We always challenge ourselves to improve, this is our main and only objective, play and improve, compete and improve.

“All the players are looking forward to it.

“Individual players are improving, as a team they are improving.

“It is better to reach the higher standards and expectations of our talented players, as long as the team is based on the foundation of being compact and focused on the game.

“We are on that process and Adama is improving individually because the team is also improving.

“We are preparing the best way we can. Recover well, eat well and rest well. When the game comes you have to give everything for every single second of the game.”

Pep Guardiola’s side are in magnificent form having won 20 consecutive games in all competitions.

With the incredible run comes talk of where they rank in the greatest domestic teams in history and for Nuno they are right up there.

When asked where they rank, he added: “High, a very good team.

“Every team has their own new things, football doesn’t repeat itself in history.

“It’s always new, with something different.

“First and foremost we have to prepare ourselves for a very difficult challenge, because it’s going to be very tough.

“Man City are a fantastic team. A talented squad who always have good ideas with the approach to the game.

“It’s a tough challenge for us and that’s the first thing we have to get ready for, to compete really well.

“Talent, hard-work, quality, dedication. The talent of the players they have is fantastic.

“There’s a way to play against all the opponents but it doesn’t change, it’s about yourself and the attitude you have for the game.

“There’s no different way to play football, it’s all about competing, winning your duels, completing your tasks, playing good football. Enjoy the game. It’s always the same.

“Man City will make a lot of problems and we have to find solutions.”

Wolves are expected to be without Willy Boly, Daniel Podence and Fernando Marcal who are all struggling with injury issues.

When asked for an injury update Nuno said: “It is the same problems that we had.

“Some players are getting better, but basically the same (squad).”

However, Nuno was coy on injury details when probed if the same trio are expected to be missing – he added: “Yes you can assume, but you cannot be sure.”

Wolves named the same team for the third game running on Saturday when they picked up a point away at Newcastle.

With Boly unavailable Leander Dendoncker has been filling in on the right of a back three and the midfielder is expected to keep his place in that position.