Nuno: Foundations for success are in place at Wolves
In his final message to Wolves fans Nuno Espirito Santo insists the foundations have been laid for a successful future at Molineux.
After four seasons at the helm the 47-year-old bowed out on Sunday with his final game in charge.
He received a fitting send off by 4,500 fans who made their appreciation known following a hugely successful period for the club.
When asked if he believes the club now has the springboard to achieve more success, the outgoing boss insisted he ‘only can see good things’.
Nuno said: “Of course - I’m positive and I’m sure, because the foundation is there, the quality and talent of the players, the commitment of the players, the way they work with each other for the club.
“I only can see good things.”
Regarding his reign, he added: “I always like to look at things as a whole, and now we have a chance to reflect on four years, four seasons that we were together since the Championship where we started. The highlight is how we finish - we finish with the same spirit, the same unity, and proud of ourselves because it is amazing what the players have done since day one. We must really value what we have built.”
Since Nuno and his backroom team arrived at Molineux they have been welcomed with open arms by the Wolves faithful.
The manager led them from mid-table in the Championship to the Europa League quarter finals and when asked about the reception he has received in the city, Nuno said: “It means a lot, the love and respect we felt and feel (from fans), the bond the fans have created with the team, the squad, all of us.
“The city. How we go in the streets and people give us this respect for our work.
“It is very special, the bond between the fans and the team, and this will stay forever, it is something that is here to stay.”
The relationship between the supporters and the club has vastly improved under Nuno’s tenure but in a humble self-assessment of his time in charge the Portuguese boss believes the credit must go to his players.
“It was not me, it was everything,” he added.
“My first match at Molineux was against Middlesbrough and it all started there. Two or three games after the players were speaking among themselves that we were going up, and this started to lift the fans.
“It started from there, the players and the way they played. This is what engages fans.
“What we wanted to build we achieved and you can see the togetherness that exists, and this is the more important thing.
“When you want to work with a group of players first you have to create a really special bond among themselves, with you, the club, the fans, the city. Then comes the sports achievement, but the more important one is the love and respect we have for each other.
“Wolverhampton is a place I love. It’s a ‘see you soon’.”
Nuno’s four years in charge has also seen several young stars improving and shining on the first team stage.
This season alone Fabio Silva has improved and impressed at times, while Morgan Gibbs-White and Vitinha have shown glimpses of their own personal improvement.
Pedro Neto was a handful before his injury, too, and Nuno is adamant that the improvement among these youngsters is down to the player themselves as he refused to take any credit for their progression.
“It comes down to the player first and foremost,” he said.
“The player opening this door to us to go and try to help. It comes down to the player. Not only this season, but all of the seasons.
“It’s not only young players, I believe that even senior players over 30-years-old have things to improve.
“You have examples and we have our own examples.
“It comes down to the player and the will to, on a daily basis, challenge themselves to become better. That’s the first step.”
