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Wolves boss Nuno: We must stick to our principles

Nuno Espirito Santo says his players cannot have any doubts heading to Crystal Palace.

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The Wolves boss stressed the need to stick with the principles that propelled them from the Championship to the Premier League after losing their third game in a row on Thursday night – against Braga in their opening Europa League group game.

That defeat came on the back of a 3-2 reverse at Everton and 5-2 Chelsea mauling in the Premier League.

Wolves have not lost four games in a row since Nuno took over in 2017.

Asked whether Wolves’ confidence has suffered, Nuno answered: “They cannot have any doubts, the way we worked and the way we played, the ideas that we have is what brought us here.

“That is what got us here from the Championship to the Premier League.

“Now Thursday, Sunday is the challenge in the Europa League.

“No doubts, the way is clear.”

And after another disappointing performance against Braga, Nuno wants improvement.

He said: “Those that came here that are still integrating the idea of the team, they have to improve.

“Those who are here longer and are not having the best moments – all of them and it’s a small squad so we need everybody.

“Everyone has to raise their standards and perform.”

He added: “Life is made of up and downs. To sustain is the most difficult thing, what can do you when you are down to go up again? It’s a reality.

“If we perform well that’s the perfect scenario but if you win without the performance you still have a problem. What we have to do is improve the performance.”

But Nuno is wary of the threat Roy Hodgson’s Palace team pose.

He said: “Very tough, they are a team who has been in the Premier League for a while now. They have a lot of complexity, Zaha and good midfielders. It’s going to be tough. We have to challenge ourselves but Palace is tough There is no easy game in football.”

Wolves beat Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park last term but Hodgson’s side picked up three points at Molineux.

But Nuno says it is all about the now.

He said: “We can use something to work on but they came to Molineux and they won, this is about the team, what is Crystal Palace now, can we find their weakness, can we continue last season.”