Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Nuno Espirito Santo during a press conference ahead of the Premier League Asia Trophy in Shanghai, China.
Nuno Espirito Santo believes Wolves’ pre-season trip to China has given the club’s profile a huge boost.
Wolves’ Chinese owners, Fosun, have made a strong marketing push around their team’s involvement in this week’s Premier League Asia Trophy.
The club have opened a new megastore in Shanghai, launched a clothing range at a well-attended fashion show and promoted Wolves-themed beer.
On the field, Wolves beat Newcastle in Nanjing on Wednesday and will play in Saturday’s final against Premier League champions Manchester City in Shanghai.
“Yes, it’s definitely (been a success),” said manager Nuno, who guided Wolves to seventh in their first season back in the Premier League last term. “We knew one of the goals of our trip to the Asia Trophy was that.
“We’re delighted to be here and the players are being very patient and co-operative.
“It’s difficult, with the weather and all these things, but we are really happy to be here. All the events made by the club, the way they appreciate us, the way we go on the street and people share their happiness, it’s good.”
Captain Conor Coady has also enjoyed his time in China.
The 26-year-old said: “It’s been a amazing – the football side of it and the events off the pitch have been fantastic for us.
“The way the people have taken to Wolves and taken us in and shown their support has been fantastic.
“We remember where we were three or four years ago. To be where we are now, we need to make the most of it and make sure we keep on improving.”
Wolves now know they will face Crusaders of Northern Ireland in their eagerly anticipated Europa League qualifier next week, but Nuno wants to get Saturday’s game out out of the way before planning for that.
“First we have the game of tomorrow and then we are going to think about Crusaders,” he said.
Nuno feels the City game will be useful for their preparations.
He said: “It’s a final but its a preparation game. Our interpretation is to compete and prepare ourselves for what’s coming next week.”
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