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Nuno Explains Patricio Snub For Cardiff Clash

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Wolverhampton Wanderers face well known foes Cardiff City this weekend in our next Premier League clash in the campaign of 2018/19, and head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has already revealed that goalkeeper Rui Patricio has been dropped for this one, with John Ruddy taking his place between the sticks.

Speaking to the Official Website earlier today as he met with the media to discuss the upcoming game, Nuno explained that the decision for the switch was very simple indeed – he was thinking down the line to our FA Cup quarter final clash.

“John Ruddy is going to play tomorrow because we consider it’s the right moment to prepare him for what’s coming in front of us. In two weeks’ time we’re going to play the FA Cup, and John Ruddy is going to be in goal. We consider this the right moment to get some game competition and to be stronger. We have a lot of confidence in the three goalkeepers we have. Rui’s been playing, John has been playing in the cup and Will Norris until now hasn’t had the chance to play, but in terms of confidence, 100 percent on all three.”

With the draw against Bournemouth and then the disappointing defeat to Huddersfield Town in the last game, fans will probably be mixed with the decision to drop our Portuguese No 1 for this match as we’ll want a far better performance and hopefully a return to winning ways.

However, I think it makes perfect sense. We’re ticking along nicely in the Premier League this year but the Cup is the Cup and going further in that competition would certainly boost our stock now we are back in the top flight, so it makes sense to ensure that Ruddy is better up to speed to bolster our chances of success on that front.

Having a short break will also do Patricio no harm at all. You have a squad, it’s about managing it to suit our purposes best.

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