Rui Patricio says it’s ‘very important’ for Wolves’ ‘stability’ that Nuno Espirito Santo remains as manager amid speculation the Portuguese could replace Unai Emery at Arsenal.
Nuno led Wolves from the Championship into the English top flight two seasons ago and a seventh-place finish last term secured Europa League football for the club.
It’s understood Nuno is the frontrunner to take over the reins from Emery at Arsenal, with the Spaniard facing the axe after a miserable start to the campaign.
The Gunners are languishing down in eight in the Premier League and there’s a growing feeling that defeat at home to Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday evening could lead to Emery’s dismissal.
Asked about the rumours surrounding Nuno ahead of Wolves’ clash with Sporting Braga, Patricio replied: ‘For the club to develop and become greater it’s not just about the coach but also good staff behind the scenes. We have to work hard as a team and staff.
‘Stability is important at any club. Nuno is an outstanding coach and he’s also a leader.
‘It’s very important to keep Nuno at the club, not only for the players but for the club as well.
‘We have ambitions in this competition.’
Nuno has refused to rule out a potential switch to Arsenal but says it would be ‘disrespectful’ to discuss the rumours in detail.
‘I think you know me well enough and you know that I’m not going to answer about that,’ he said.
‘I will never mention an issue that’s not a reality. Mainly because the job has a manager in it.
‘It would be disrespectful.’
Emery has brushed off reports that he’s set to be sacked by Arsenal and insists he’s still the right man to take the club forward.
‘As a coach, each moment in my career is difficult,’ he said.
‘It’s a very good job, but it’s very hard. When you are winning, you feel the support from everybody, but when you’re not winning like in the last matches, you have some doubters.
‘Really, I believe in us, the players, the group. I know I am going to work very hard to come back with this performance and take the confidence we need now.
‘Each match is a very good opportunity. The good and bad moments come and go, but the most important thing for me is to show my work and our capacity.’
MORE: Unai Emery claims Arsenal fans’ negativity is affecting the confidence of his players
