Wolves boss Nuno: Talking about a top 10 finish this early is 'big mistake'
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo is trying to keep a lid on expectations ahead of next season - and says it would be a 'big mistake' to talk about a top 10 finish.
After romping the Championship, Wolves have been tipped in some quarters to finish in the top half of the Premier League next term. They are joint-seventh favourites with the bookies to lift the title.
But in an in-depth sit-down with media after yesterday's promotion party, Nuno urged caution and said his aims would shift week to week depending on results.
When he was asked what his ultimate aim for Wolves was next season, he said: "I don’t have one, honestly, I cannot say to you what I want.
"What I feel is that expectations are very high and I am the only one that my expectations aren't so high.
"I am very cautious of what's going on. The summer is important, to have decisions on the squad and then we will see.
"We have to improve and work hard but we cannot say we are going to fight for the top 10. That will be a big mistake.
"Before we didn't do it (set ourselves targets). We go to August, that's step one.
"Honestly, in football, the decisions on the team are based on how you are progressing and what you are achieving. You cannot say what's going to happen in December."
However, Nuno's caution does not mean he is happy just to stay up next season.
He is determined to stick to his tactical approach in the Premier League because he has a passionate belief in his system.
"I am able to say now, not 100 per cent, but we will stick with it," he said. "We believe in it and we want to achieve an identity.
"Now we have to work on it. I am not obsessed about making an impression on the Premier League. I want to build a team who can play home and away the same - never change. Let's try to do it."
But when Nuno was asked if that meant would be happy to finish 17th next season, he said: "No. We're only looking for August, I insist.
"We're not thinking top 15, top 10, top 5. We never did it (this season). Did I ever mention to you we're going to be here or there? No.
"Now, when I talk to players, I say we have to bounce back because in the last two games we made one point.
"What is the best moment to do it? August. This is what we're going to work towards, to bounce back from the last performance."
Read more from Nuno's in-depth interview in the Express & Star this week.
