Wolves boss Nuno is taking nothing for granted against Crusaders

Boss Nuno Espirito Santo has warned Wolves the job is not done against Crusaders.
Wolves Manager Nuno Espirito Santo speaks to the media ahead of Thursday's UEFA Europa League match against Crusaders at Seaview in Belfast. Pic Colm Lenaghan/PacemakerWolves Manager Nuno Espirito Santo speaks to the media ahead of Thursday's UEFA Europa League match against Crusaders at Seaview in Belfast. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker
Wolves Manager Nuno Espirito Santo speaks to the media ahead of Thursday's UEFA Europa League match against Crusaders at Seaview in Belfast. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

The Premier League side are aiming to avoid a massive shock in their Europa League second round qualifying tie at Seaview on Thursday, leading 2-0 from the first leg.

Diogo Jota and Ruben Vinagre’s goals gave Wolves a healthy advantage last week.

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But Nuno insisted his men must remain focused as they continue their first European campaign for 39 years.

He said: “We play the game. The game is 0-0 so our interpretation is exactly the same. For us it is not about the draw it is about competing, we have to perform and play good.

“The job is not done. This is one part of the game we have to control but we have an experienced team. It’s a brand new game, let’s play it.

“We can’t consider playing this game feeling that we have a leading score - we must treat it like a new game and respect Crusaders.

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“It doesn’t matter the lead or how many goals advantage we have - just play the game as if it is 0-0.”

Crusaders play on a 4G pitch and with Wolves training on it on Wednesday evening, Nuno hopes they adapt quickly.

He said: “We’ll see how the players are in training. We don’t have a lot of experience of this.

“But they assure me with water it’s almost like natural grass. Let’s see training and we’ll assess tomorrow.”

Matt Doherty remains out with a knee injury but Ruben Neves has travelled after coming off and needing a scan in hospital after receiving a heavy blow to his side last week.