Wolves boss Nuno dismisses concerns of Leeds United owner Radrizzani

Wolves head coach Nuno Espirito Santo brushed off Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani's grievances about the Championship leaders' financial dealings after a 3-0 victory at Elland Road.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' manager Nuno Espirito SantoWolverhampton Wanderers' manager Nuno Espirito Santo
Wolverhampton Wanderers' manager Nuno Espirito Santo

Goals from Romain Saiss, Willy Boly and Benik Afobe restored Wolves’ six-point advantage at the top of the table, leaving Leeds with just one win in 13 matches in all competitions.

And following the full-time whistle, Radrizzani questioned Wolves’ movements in the transfer market.

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The leaders have connections with ‘super-agent’ Jorge Mendes and have spent heavily on recruiting talent such as Diogo Jota and Ruben Neves in a bid to win promotion.

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Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani hits out at Wolves following defeat

Radrizzani, who completed his takeover of Leeds in May 2017, tweeted: “We have our own problems but we should play in a fair competition.”

He claimed there were “evident benefits” of Mendes having links at Wolves, whose manager Nuno is among his clients, with Radrizzani suggesting they included “top European clubs giving players with options to buy”.

Radrizzani added: “Congratulations to the best team but hope the league can be fair and equal to all 24 teams.”

Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani, (left). Picture James Hardisty.Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani, (left). Picture James Hardisty.
Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani, (left). Picture James Hardisty.
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It is understood the growing concerns over Wolves’ dealings – others were raised separately earlier in the week – are being looked at by the EFL. It is possible that the issue could be on the agenda at an EFL board meeting later on Thursday.

Wolves boss Nuno was quick to defend his club in light of Radrizzani’s remarks, insisting they “compete fairly”.

The Portuguese said: “First of all, I don’t care. Secondly, what we see on the pitch is a group of hard-working people.

“My only focus is on the game. To go beyond that, it doesn’t affect us. We don’t care because it has nothing to do with us. We compete fairly and we show when we win, we deserve it.

Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani, (left). Picture James Hardisty.Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani, (left). Picture James Hardisty.
Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani, (left). Picture James Hardisty.
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“We are humble enough to recognise that people are better than us, but we don’t go sending things to the air. We are very straight.”

Leeds head coach Paul Heckingbottom was not as aware of Wolves’ situation as his owner.

“I don’t pay any attention to it, to be honest. It is nothing I can influence or affect me. I wouldn’t be able to tell you what the rules are,” Heckingbottom said.

“I would just be guessing if Wolves have done anything against the grain. All I know is this league is riddled with teams with more money than others, and it will be more than ever now with parachute payments.

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“Half the teams in this league in terms of money, muscle and finance are going to far outweigh us as it stands. You have got to get in the Premier League to earn that financial clout.”

Wolves got their promotion push back on track, ending a three-match winless streak, as first-half headers from Saiss and Boly were added to by Afobe’s cool finish 16 minutes from time.

Nuno added: “Our approach was very good. We recognised we had to get better and we showed character on the pitch. It was a very good performance.”