Nuno wants Wolves to be motivated by legend Bill Slater tributes
Nuno Espirito Santo hopes Wolves can draw inspiration from late FA Cup-winning skipper Bill Slater as they aim to upset Liverpool tonight.
Wolves are holding a minute’s applause at Molineux before the third-round tie in memory of Slater, who led them to glory in 1960 and died last month aged 91.
And Nuno is looking for a rousing performance on the back of the tributes to a true club legend.
“It’s very important. I’ve written about it in my programme notes,” he said. “We are dedicating this game to his life and contributions to the club. The FA Cup was won by Wolves in the 60s the last time.
“We have to fight and see if we can progress, be able to compete and try to succeed. We have to game by game.”
Nuno has spoken before about trying to build towards how Wolves were throughout the 50s and early 60s – winning three top-flight titles and then the Cup in 60.
And he has great respect for the achievements of Slater, who made 334 appearances in old gold between 1952 and 1963.
“It’s part of the history for the club,” said Nuno.
“If we can try to progress, day by day, and look to the future, we can try to be how Wolves were in the 50s and 60s.
“That would mean a lot, but we know we have a big task in front of us.”
Nuno knows Wolves could have hardly asked for a tougher draw than Liverpool.
But there could be weaknesses to exploit as the Reds are expected to make changes, with the race for the Premier League title deemed more important.
Wolves are also likely to switch things around, given Nuno has done so in all cup games in charge so far.
“It’s difficult to be more difficult than Liverpool, isn’t it? It’s a big challenge but we want to compete and go for the game,” said Nuno. “It’s a trophy and each game is a final.
“We will try, but there are not many weaknesses.
“They are a very good team, no doubt about it.”
And Nuno is keen to grab Wolves’ first win of 2019, after beginning the new year with a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last week.
He added: “What I know is that 2018 was a very good year for us, for the club.
“If we can maintain our growth and progression, 2019 can be equally as good. This is what we work for.”
