Ruben Neves has followed in his manager’s footsteps by insisting the Europa League is not to blame for their poor start to their Premier League campaign.
The Black Country side begin their Europa League group stage campaign on Thursday when Portuguese side Braga visit Molineux.
Wolves have been in fine form in European action thus far, winning six matches out of six in qualifying and scoring at least twice in every match.
However, it has been a very different story when it comes to domestic football, with Wolves winless and in the bottom three of the Premier League standings after five matches.
Having drawn their first three matches, Nuno’s side welcome Braga after two losses to Everton and Chelsea respectively.
Wolves were taken apart by the Blues at the weekend, losing 5-2 to Frank Lampard’s men as they were beaten at home for the first time since January.
Their poor form in the Premier League has been blamed on the Europa League, with Wolves having had to start their season in July, while Thursday’s match will be their 12th competitive outing of the campaign.
Nuno has dismissed that suggestion, claiming that is a lazy excuse, and midfield maestro Neves has echoed his manager’s thoughts.
The Portuguese says Wolves’ European campaign is something to enjoy and should not be viewed as a distraction, insisting it is down to the team to put matters right on the pitch.
The 22-year-old said: “Fatigue doesn’t have anything to do with it, we’re all top players and are used to it. The Europa League doesn’t have anything to do with our position in the Premier League. “You are always going to have these moments in the season and we need to return to winning ways as soon as possible.”
Neves is likely to start Thursday’s clash with Braga, with Nuno having named his strongest team for the majority of Europa League matches this season.
The Portuguese tactician has no injury concerns heading into the clash, with Ryan Bennett and Wily Boly both available again after missing the loss to Chelsea.
