Last update on. From the section Wolves
On Sunday, there was a new and familiar face in the Molineux dugouts.
Wolves fans will find it very convenient that their club has changed its manager. There is little difference in their first names.
This means that songs can be easily adapted. On Sunday, Molineux saw a large crowd return to Molineux to see their new coach face Tottenham. Bruno was supported by a lot of people, whereas Nuno had previously been the only one who could support Bruno.
There are many similarities between Bruno Lage, and Nuno Espirito Sante's predecessor. Both are Portuguese for a start. They arrived at Wolves also with the intention to play with a three-man defensive team.
Bruno must build his team, just as Nuno did in the four years he was at the helm.
Wolves don't have the luxury of experiencing zero points in two games since 2003. After a second consecutive defeat of 1-0, Lage was positive and Tottenham beat Leicester by the smallest margin.
He said, "I'm not content with not winning games, but I believe in the work that I do." "The players believe that I am capable. This season, these two teams defeated Manchester City. "I am optimistic about the process."
The big question is, will his faith be justified?
Evolution, not revolution
Lage has been light-touch in his Wolves reign thus far.
Major changes are limited to the backroom, as it is important not to try to fix something that isn't broken. It has been observed that Lage is more cooperative than Nuno.
It is not surprising that his brother Luis Nacimento (de facto assistant manager) has a strong bond.
Lage's backroom team focuses on the analytics aspect of the game while Nuno's is more scientific and medical. This has allowed Wolves the opportunity to hire new staff in key areas such as a nurse who will not leave when the manager is gone.
Some changes have occurred to the first-team squad. These include the arrival of Jose Sa, Olympiakos goalkeeper, and Francisco Trincao, Portugal winger, on loan from Barcelona. This was at the expense Rui Patricio, and Rafa Mir who have left for Roma and Sevilla, respectively.
It is evident that more work is being done behind-the scenes.
Either Adama Traore, Ruben Neves or the like cannot be assumed. It would not be surprising if Traore was offered by Tottenham.
This means that new arrivals are almost certain to include the input of Jorge Mendes, a super-agent.
Lage said, "We continue to work," but did not name Jeff Shi as chairman. However, he has done so before to increase pressure on Wolves' Chinese owners.
"The people who know how we want to play will be able to help us choose the right profile and type of player, as well as the positions, we require. To make us better, they must be great players.
Wolves 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur - The game was ours
Evidently Lage is passionate about his work.
In the second half against Tottenham, he encouraged players to move forward and ran down one wing.
Although the formation is the same, Lage's style in football is much more open than that of Nuno at Molineux.
Although 42 shots are impressive in just two games, there is no goal.
Raul Jimenez appears to not be experiencing any side effects from the fractured skull that he sustained in November. However, until he scores again, questions will remain. Given his importance to Wolves and the team, the same applies to the player as well.
There are positive signs. Particularly, Nelson Semedo was a threat to Tottenham's right after he arrived from Barcelona last summer.
Trincao was successful, even though, as with Traore's outstanding work, the end product was not quite what he wanted.
This is not the time to be worried. Lage stated that he only has been working with the group for five weeks.
However, Manchester United's visit at Molineux next weekend raises concerns about remaining without a goal heading into the international break. This would definitely undermine Lage's optimism.
He said, "We are disappointed with the outcome but I believe in what is being done."
"We challenged our players to play in this manner and created opportunities for them to do so. We are going to be great."
