Nuno warns Prem ‘cartel’ they are facing new challengers as Big Six gatecrashers Wolves and Leicester face off
THERE’S a gatecrashers’ ball at Molineux tonight — and the uninvited guests are in no hurry to leave English football’s elite.
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo believes clubs like his own and tonight’s opponents Leicester have smashed up the elite ‘big six’ cartel with financial might and astute management.
Both Midlands clubs — funded by Far Eastern riches and led by enlightened, ambitious young managers — have shaken the status quo.
Brendan Rodgers and his Foxes are close to securing Champions League football for next season, while Wolves reached the Europa League in their first Premier League campaign and will move to within three points of fourth-placed Chelsea with a victory.
Liverpool may be walking their way to the title but the intrigue lies beneath, where Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham have slipped back and Chelsea are in transition.
Leicester, Wolves and even the shock troops of Sheffield United are threatening what had been a roped-off area at the top of the table — with the extraordinary exception of Claudio Ranieri’s Foxes claiming the title in 2016.
Nuno — 364 days younger than 47-year-old Rodgers, despite the grey beard — said: “Brendan has done a fantastic job and everybody can see the quality they have. But it’s not a surprise to me.
“They have a clear idea of football, they’re aggressive with good possession and speed but we are ready for it.”
Nuno, whose own long-term future is under some doubt, has forged a strong bond with the Wolverhampton public after leading the club to the Championship title in 2018.
There have been echoes of the club’s 1950s glory days under him — enough to put a smile on the statue of their great former captain Billy Wright, which stands outside Molineux.
When Leicester last visited 13 months ago, it was one of the most dramatic Premier League games of the season.
Jota completed his hat-trick in the 93rd minute to earn a 4-3 victory — with Nuno sent to the stands for going berserk and celebrating with his players on the pitch.
He added: “I’ll try to stay in my technical area this time. I am going to try but the emotions are there and sometimes you can’t contain them.
“If it’s for the right reason, I’m glad to run down the line again.”