‘Madness’, ‘Talking nonsense’ – Lots of Wolves fans react to Nuno’s pre-match comments

Lots of Wolverhampton Wanderers supporters have been reacting on social media after Nuno Espirito Santo stated that his side are ‘not prepared’ to utilise the Premier League’s allowance of five substitutions in a single game.

The Premier League have allowed clubs to make two additional substitutions in each fixture held since the resumption of the 2019/20 campaign, while increasing the number of players on the bench from seven to nine, in order to protect player’s welfare after the lengthy suspension.

Espirito Santo has yet opted to take up the offer, however, with the Wolves chief only using one substitute against Sheffield United, two against Aston Villa, three against Arsenal and four against West Ham United and AFC Bournemouth.

Morgan Gibbs-White’s introduction in place of Raul Jimenez and Joao Moutinho respectively against the Hammers and Cherries came in the first minute of stoppage-time, however.

Wolves’ only change of the game against Sheffield United also came with the departure of the injured Adama Traore who suffered his fourth dislocation of the season to his left shoulder inside the opening 90 seconds, although the Spaniard remained on the field until 11 minutes from time.

Espirito Santo has now specified why he has yet made five substitutes in a game, noting that his squad was not assembled to cope with the possibility.

“I don’t know what is going to happen in the future but these are not the rules that we prepared for,” Espirito Santo noted ahead of Sunday’s clash with Everton, via quotes by the Express and Star.

“The rule has changed, it’s there for everyone to see, there are squads that can take advantage of the situation now but I hope it’s not going to stick forever.

“We hope that football returns to normal, three subs that we’ve always had, without water breaks, all these things introduced now.

“For us it is honestly something we’re not prepared to do because we didn’t build our process to focus on five subs.”

Wolves supporters have been reacting on social media in their masses to Espirito Santo’s comments, with some suggesting that the Portuguese tactician is too stubborn in his ways, does not trust his squad or that he is ‘talking nonsense’ to cover for his actions.

He doesn’t even bring 3 on. Don’t think he understands he can change things https://t.co/iA8POWjb5E

— Jay (@Wolvesjay90) July 11, 2020

This would be all well and good if he made three subs a match, I could understand that. But one or two subs a match in a period of fixture congestion with little rotation to the XI is so confusing. I love Nuno, but it’s always struck me as odd.

— Nick Allen (@NickAllen224) July 11, 2020

Would’ve been nice if he was prepared to make at least two more during the week. https://t.co/5K1sXJpSA7

— Harry Kettle (@HJKettle) July 11, 2020

He is stuck in his ways and sounds very stubborn . The squad spends so much time together and should just slot in naturally at any point . If he don’t trust his squad then that’s his fault for keeping them . If its a fitness issue then its thats coaching. He is just stubborn

— Matt (@molineux4eva) July 11, 2020

We only seem to make 1 sub though https://t.co/kmgYFKRPey

— ຮς๏ŧŧ (@wwfcscott) July 11, 2020

Love Nuno but this is madness on so many levels

— Julian Kear (@julianholigan) July 11, 2020

we’d still only make 1 sub https://t.co/dgN4X2qzxt

— Bibb (@bibb_wwfc) July 11, 2020

I cant help but feel he’s talking nonsense here. Take advantage of the situation and use those subs.

— Paul (@bethellwwfc) July 11, 2020

You didn’t even make three subs mate unless we were 3-0 up https://t.co/JrkZuyNlTN

— James (@_jwynny) July 11, 2020

Someone wanna ask him why he only used 1 against Sheffield United after we did absolutely nothing all game? https://t.co/231A9eTMo5

— Morgs (@AdumMorgan) July 11, 2020

Other supporters have also suggested Wolves do not have five players who can come off the bench to make an impact, while some have merely urged Espirito Santo to introduce more variety to fixtures by taking advantage of the rule change.

We haven’t got 5 first team ready subs that’s why https://t.co/fqzuSEoSol

— Rhys (@wwfcrhys) July 11, 2020

I don’t understand. If you’re allowed to use 5 isn’t it a great option?

— Peter Ranells (@PRanells) July 11, 2020

what is the point in that? if you have 5 subs you may as well use them, seems like an excuse so he can get away without making changes because our bench is fairly lacking..

— James Smith (@jjsmith5716) July 11, 2020