Espanyol vs Wolves - Neves insists Wolves cannot afford to think about CL qualification

Posted Thursday, February 27, 2020 by PA

Ruben Neves has dismissed talk of Wolves’ Champions League charge.

The midfielder has called for calm ahead of the Europa League clash with Espanyol.

Wolves are 4-0 up from the first leg of their last 32 tie and face the LaLiga strugglers in Barcelona on Thursday.

Winning the Europa League would earn a Champions League spot, while fifth place in the Premier League could also earn a place at the top table of club football if Manchester City’s appeal against their European ban fails

Wolves are eighth in the top flight, two points adrift of fifth, but Neves refused to consider challenging the elite.

“We can’t talk about it at this moment. It’s a very good moment but we have our feet on the ground,” he said.

“We know what we’re capable of but we have to be focused on our competitions to keep our pace. It’s not fair to think about it at the moment.

“Our philosophy is always game by game. After we’ll look to the Premier League. It’s not the moment to speak about the Champions League.”

Neves scored a spectacular 25-yard volley in last week’s win at Molineux, adding to Diogo Jota’s hat-trick.

He is yet to score inside the box from open play with 12 of his 15 goals coming from outside the area and three from the penalty spot.

“From the academy I’ve always liked to shoot from outside the box,” he said. “A lot of times before it’s about my position so I don’t go inside the box too many times.

“So every time I have a chance to shoot I’ll try. It’s a solution for the team, if I can help.

“I always looked at (Andrea) Pirlo, in Portugal Hulk and Fredy Guarin can do amazing goals. It’s hard to see someone and try to do the same thing.

“I want to improve and I’ve improved alone because fortunately I have that quality in my football.”

Wing-back Jonny has not travelled with Wolves due to an ankle injury he suffered in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Norwich.

Boss Nuno Espirito Santo said: “He had a strong kick, he’s in pain, it’s normal procedures – treatment in the morning and afternoon – and hopefully he doesn’t stay out too long.”

The game is Wolves’ 45th of the season and, while they remain in the hunt for a possible Champions League place, Nuno gave credit to his players.

He added: “I will not say we don’t suffer, it’s tough and it’s very demanding on the players.

“You see the schedule, you only have two days to play a tough game in the Premier League.

“The game is 0-0, this is how we face it. It’s a tough stadium to come to and we have to be very focused.”

Abelardo Fernandez accepts his Espanyol side face an “almost impossible” mission to overturn the 4-0 deficit against Wolves.

But Abelardo, whose team lost 2-1 to relegation rivals Valladolid on Sunday to leave them bottom of LaLiga and five points from safety, has refused to give up hope of an improbable comeback.

He told a press conference: “It’s almost impossible – we know that – but we will be looking to put up a good fight.

“We need to score four goals and not concede any to take it to extra time. It’s tough but you never know. If we could get to half-time 2-0 up then maybe we will give ourselves a chance.

“I wish we could make it to the next round. We have to fight but also we have to a get a good feeling back among the supporters.

“We need to be brave and daring – what the fans expect – and then who knows?”