Wolves head coach Nuno: I’ll follow the rules but still be me
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo says he is doing his best to be more calm on the touchline – but his primary concern remains his players.
Prior to the season getting under way, all managers in the Premier League were told they will receive verbal cautions for ‘irresponsible behaviour’ if they let their emotions get the better of them.
Meanwhile, in the FA Cup and League Cup, they can be issued with yellow and red cards before being sent to the stands.
Last season, Nuno became involved in a spat with Cardiff boss Neil Warnock, who labelled him disrespectful following Wolves’ win over the Welsh side.
Nuno though doesn’t think he will have any problems this season – with the Portuguese boss happy with the new rules.
“I’m just going to be myself, I will try and be myself,” the 44-year-old said. “We had a meeting with managers in the Premier League and with referees.
“They are going to be very careful about behaviour on touchline.
“I will try and stick to the rules, I don’t want to be getting any yellow or red cards.
“After a couple of warnings you are out so you have to be very careful.
“But I think, honestly, from last season, I wasn’t disrespectful with anybody.
“I had some bad interpretations of some moments, but I am a very respectful person.
“I respect the people that work with me. I respect my opponents.
“I respect the crowd in stadiums away from home.
“I just live the game. I live the game. I’m just there to help my players.
“I try to advise them in the right moments.
“If that means I have to raise my arms and jump I will raise my arms and jump.
“If that is the best way to help my players that is what I will do, it is all about us.”
Nuno says it can be hard to remain calm on the touchline with all the passion in the game.
“It’s not just me – I think all the managers have been told by the Premier League they have to be careful with their behaviour on the touchline,” he added. “They want every manager to be more calm and I think we will try to be more calm.
“But it is difficult. Football is passion. It is intense, you are there and you want to compete.
“But you can’t have a lack of respect for the people around you.
“And I won’t be disrespectful to the other managers, to the referees or the other teams.”
