Wolves defeated the Magpies 4-0 in Nanjing courtesy of a Diogo Jota brace, Morgan Gibbs-White strike and late own goal, putting Nuno’s side into the Asia Trophy final on Saturday. Pleased with many aspects of his team’s performance, Nuno is seeing characteristics in his team that he wants to be displayed on a regular basis once the Europa League starts next week.
On the positives
“Organisation. It was very tough to play in those conditions, very humid, 90 percent or more. It’s very tough for the players, for both teams, it was a tough moment, but we stayed organised and that’s the idea, the shape, having the ball, managing the game and taking our chances.
“So, I’m pleased of the work of the boys in this moment of pre-season, it was good. The point is trying to progress, trying to improve day by day and when the real competition arrives, this is the moment that we test ourselves.
“The idea’s always the same. It’s always the same, improving on the things we do well and try to avoid the mistakes we made in the past. That is the idea of growing.”
On Gibbs-White up front
“He did well. It’s not his natural position, but he gives certain things and this is the versatile players that we have and that we must have because we are a short squad, we want to maintain, so players must do more than one position on the pitch.”
On recovering for next game
“Now we have to recover. Football in these conditions is not what we are used to seeing. The game is slower, so we cannot evaluate, what we want is to take advantage of the moment, trying to face good opponents, that can help us in the future, that’s the idea.
“We have people already taking care (or recovery). Ice baths, hydration, good food, we have to be ready for next time and go again.”
