Nuno details how Wolves can avoid Chorley upset in FA Cup

The Portuguese boss hopes to avoid history repeating itself after his club were upset by the Lancashire side in 1986 in the first round

Nick Mashiter
Thursday 21 January 2021 11:03 EST
Comments
El entrenador de los lobos, Nuno Espirito Santo
El entrenador de los lobos, Nuno Espirito Santo (PA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Nuno Espirito Santo is wary of the potential for his Wolves side succumbing to another FA Cup scalp ahead of their meeting with non-league side Chorley.

The Premier League side visit the National League North outfit in the fourth round on Friday aiming to avoid a second upset in Lancashire.

Back in 1986, Fourth Division Wolves were embarrassed 3-0 by Northern Premier League Chorley in the first round.

Nuno's side go into this year's tie winless in their last six Premier League games, having suffered a damaging 3-2 derby defeat to West Brom last weekend.

READ MORE: FA Cup third round: Sixth-tier Chorley knock out Derby County

The Wolves boss said: "We don't have to go much further back, recent history in football tells you - especially in this competition - things can happen. We have to be aware of the responsibility we have.

"We will approach it exactly the same as any game, with the search for detail. The difference of the divisions doesn't show you the game so we have to compete and play.

"We are going to find a pitch which is not in the best condition, we know an effort has been made to preserve the pitch but with the weather conditions it will be very difficult to play football on. We have to adapt.

"The next game is always the opportunity to improve on what you did wrong before."

Wolves will be without Marcal (groin), Daniel Podence (calf), Jonny (knee) and Raul Jimenez (fractured skull).

Nuno has been short on firepower since Jimenez suffered his horror injury in November and the striker remains Wolves' joint top scorer on four with Pedro Neto.

Real Sociedad striker Willian Jose is close to joining on loan as cover.

The 29-year-old has scored six goals in 21 appearances for Sociedad this season.

"Things are going on but there is nothing signed yet so we can't speak too much about the situation," said Nuno. "I will speak more deeply about him when things are signed and ready to go."

Jose will fill the gap left by Jimenez but the Mexico international has at least stepped up his recovery.

"He has started jogging and started some physical work in the gym and on the treadmill," added Nuno.

"We cannot put a time on it, hopefully things keep improving and he can re-join the group."

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in