Wolves told to U-turn on Nuno Espirito Santo appointment after journalist’s update – pundit
Noel Whelan has told Wolves to scrap their plans to re-appoint Nuno Espirito Santo after they were rejected by Julen Lopetegui.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted concerns about the 48-year-old’s defensive philosophy.
According to The Athletic‘s Tim Spiers and Steve Madeley (14 October), talks have taken place between Wolves and Espirito Santo over a shock return to Molineux after Lopetegui turned down the job.
The Portuguese left the club for Tottenham just 17 months ago but was sacked in north London in November 2021.
He is now managing Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad, where he signed a two-year contract in July of this year.
Espirito Santo has the joint-highest win percentage of any manager in Wolves history – but came under fire for his defensive tactics during his previous tenure.
Whelan insisted the Midlands club need a manager who is going to make the most of their attacking talents.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I’m always against these sorts of things.
“It wasn’t that long ago that he was the manager at Wolves, and they went in a different direction the first time. What’s to say anything will change?
“I think they need someone who has a bit more of an attacking philosophy. Someone who is going to use that forward line.
“They have a very attacking, creative side – but they’ve not been allowed to take the shackles off, and the lack of goals shows that.
“Look, I’m against it. I wouldn’t like to see it, but they seem to be struggling to get someone in place.”
In other news, Football Insider updates as Wolves starlet Joe Hodge in line for full debut after behind-the-scenes reveal.