Premier League: Why Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo should win Manager of the Season ahead of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp

Premier League: Why Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo should win Manager of the Season ahead of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp
The Premier League is drawing towards it’s conclusion and we are no closer to knowing who will be crowned champions come May.What we do know, however, is which clubs have overperformed and underperformed throughout the campaign.6

Nuno has done exceptionally well at Wolves

Manchester City top the list for the overachievers with a historic quadruple remarkably still in their sights.While Huddersfield and Fulham, who are both already relegated from the division, have endured miserable campaigns and will already be preparing for next season in the Championship.One team have a strong case to be considered the best performing club in the league; Wolves – and this is in no small part down to their manager.Nuno Espirito Santo has achieved extraordinary things with his side – and with awards season round the corner, here’s why he should be given the accolade as the top coach.

Record season

One of the more simple reasons why Nuno should be named manager of the year is because he has tumbled records with his side.Wolves have an inferior wage bill to the top six and their mid-table competitors such as West Ham, Everton and Leicester but they are miles ahead of them even though they haven’t featured in the top-flight since 2012.They have smashed their previous points record (40) with nine matches remaining and are on course to finish at least in the top eight this season.Since 2001, no newly-promoted club has finished in a higher position than 8th.6

Wolves have smashed their Premier League points record

Media approach

Nuno has also conducted himself in a very professional way in his approach to the media all season.He doesn’t moan when decisions go against his side – like the majority of managers do – and he has a very honest to the point approach to interviews, which cannot be said for many managers in the league.Pep Guardiola, as genius as he is, is much harder to read and doesn’t give anything away – and in contrast to the likes of Jose Mourinho, Nuno doesn’t make out the media are out to get him hell for leather.6

Nuno has a calm and honest approach to the media

Style of play

Entertainment factor should be key in deciding which coach gets the top award – and Wolves are genuinely brilliant to watch both home and away.At Molineux, they give it their all to win every match, no matter who they face.This was first demonstrated this at the beginning of the season when they ground out a 1-1 draw against City and it hasn’t changed all season.They demonstrate the perfect shift between attack and defence, as seen by their 2-1 victory over Manchester United in mid-week.6

Jimenez has signed permanently from Benfica

On average, they concede just one goal a game at Molineux but they don’t rely on their defence for results either.Away from home, they approach matches more defensively but still counter with power and pace with front-men Raul Jimenez and Diogo Jota leading the line.They have picked up a point at Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool and also beat Tottenham.A formidable track-record on the road against the top six.

Recruitment

Nuno has to earn a lot of praise for his superb recruitment in the summer.He has made some quality buys but has also stuck true to his guns with some of his loyal Championship players – avoiding signing any unnecessary players which cost Fulham so dearly.6

Jota had a slow start to the campaign but has been superb in recent months

He signed Diogo Jota, who had a slow start to the season but has been brilliant in recent months.While Raul Jimenez, who has been one of the best strikers in the league this season, has now signed for a club-record fee from Benfica.Willy Boly has also been a very good acquisition at the back, forming a good partnership with captain Conor Coady.While Jonny, who was signed permanently in January, has been a very useful on the left-flank.

Other contenders

Guardiola’s City have been incredible this season, but they haven’t changed how they played from their title-winning campaign last term.He added one player in the summer, Riyad Mahrez, who has been uninspiring, and they still play the exact same formation.6

Guardiola’s side have been magnificent but he hasn’t changed his set up from last season

Guardiola is the world’s top coach right now but as the award is done on a season basis, Nuno has been more impressive.Similarly, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have been very good this season and are right in it for the title, but they have prioritised the Premier League.The fact that Wolves have performed so admirably in the league whilst simultaneously reaching the FA Cup semi-finals is a better achievement.

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