SM
Chelsea vs. Spurs: 20 hrs 36 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

Ruben Neves: 'Wolverhampton Wanderers not thinking about Champions League'

:Headline: Ruben Neves: 'Wolverhampton Wanderers not thinking about Champions League': ID:390990: from db_amp
Wolves are on the brink of reaching the last 16 in the Europa League.

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."

amp_article__390990 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2020-02-26 19:13:03:
html db last update - 2021-03-02 18:07:56 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Ruben Neves

Click here for more stories about Espanyol

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Leganes371713748222664
2Real ValladolidValladolid371971145311464
3EibarEibar371871260421861
4Espanyol371515754391560
5ElcheElche371610114035558
6Real Oviedo3714131045331255
7Racing de SantanderRacing371510125651555
8Sporting GijonSporting Gijon371510124338555
9Racing Club de FerrolRacing de Ferrol371412114344-154
10Burgos37159134648-254
11Levante37121694241152
12TenerifeTenerife371310143336-349
13Real ZaragozaZaragoza371113133635146
14CartagenaCartagena37129163445-1145
15MirandesMirandes371111154350-744
16Eldense371013144151-1043
17Huesca37915133128342
18Albacete371012154351-842
19AlcorconAlcorcon371011162746-1941
20Villarreal II37109183652-1639
21Amorebieta37911173447-1338
22FC AndorraFC Andorra37910182944-1537
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .