Nuno Espirito Santo sees no reason why Wolves should expect less this season

Nuno Espirito Santo has refuted suggestions Wolves may have to lower their expectations this season.

Wanderers have enjoyed nothing but success under the Portuguese since he became head coach three years ago, winning the Championship title before back-to-back seventh-placed finishes in the Premier League, as well as reaching the quarter-finals of the Europa League last season.

Some observers tipped the club to continue its progress this season and maybe even break into the Champions League places. The campaign started well with victory at Sheffield United in their opening match but a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City and 4-0 loss to West Ham, widely described as the worst display of Nuno’s reign, followed a Carabao Cup exit to Championship Stoke.

Meanwhile, players like Matt Doherty and Diogo Jota, mainstays of what Wolves have achieved recently, have left the club.

Asked if expectations should perhaps be tempered, Nuno said: “No, its not about that.

“It’s not about expectations, it is about the work we have in front of us and knowing how to assess it and decide how to move forward. Expectations are outside, we know what we want to do – we want to improve.

“We believe we still have things to improve but we are happy with the squad. It is important that when the transfer window closes that we can reunite and then move on.

“This is how we work. We don’t work with fear, we work with confidence to get things right because making decisions requires a lot of work and time.”

Wolves resume Premier League action on Sunday against Fulham at Molineux and Nuno will make a late decision on the fitness of Daniel Podence and Marcal.

Podence missed the West Ham loss due to a shoulder problem while Marcal was also absent in London with a calf injury he sustained on his debut against City on September 21.

“We have some issues still to attend. Players that are recovering, players that had knocks from the previous games,” said Nuno.

“We still have tomorrow (Saturday) to determine who’s going to be in the squad. Let’s see. He’s (Marcal) improving but I cannot advise for sure what is going to happen on Sunday. We still have tomorrow to assess.”

Meanwhile, long-term absentee Jonny is responding well to treatment on his injured anterior cruciate ligament.

“He’s doing well. He never quite stopped his rehabilitation in terms of muscular work that he has to do.

”He’s been working very hard and he’s doing OK but these things take a lot of time. It’s about being patient, doing the right things, don’t rush because a mistake in this moment of rehabilitation can delay his return.

“What we want is for Jonny to come back as soon as possible.”