It’s not only the Portuguese media that has been highlighting Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Championship triumph. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side’s campaign is taken as a pretty big deal by Italian newspaper Tuttosport today as well.
‘Little English but promoted’, ‘Chinese property and Portuguese soul’. That’s how the outlet summarises Wolves’ Premier League access.
Tuttosport claims that Wolves are the first case of a winning Chinese management in European football. The club, which is the ‘least English’ among those who triumphed in the Championship, have ‘cut bridges with the traditions’.
And even though it may sound like a little bit of criticism, their story actually has many compliments to the club.
The newspaper makes Wolves’ plan sound pretty easy, with all due credit for that. Getting an owner who can afford the big signings, a super agent who can move great players, a manager who’s well proven, and players who are above the Championship level. That’s the steps for the success.
There are two stars highlighted in the story, Diogo Jota and Ruben Neves. The latter is described “an irreplaceable midfielder: quality and quantity. Deadly shooting from distance, game vision, an atypical playmaker.”
Other players such as Willy Boly and Leo Bonatini get a mention as well. The Brazilian, who can communicate with the Portuguese in his natural language, is praised for his hard work without the ball, even though he isn’t a top scorer.
Even Wolverhampton’s tactical formation is detailed by the newspaper, who certainly finds it interesting how such a peculiar squad managed to win the Championship in an attractive way.
Another Italian newspaper, Gazzetta dello Sport, go with a very similar article today. Their headline is ‘Welcome back Wolves – Portuguese spirit, Chinese money’.
The China angle is so interesting for the Italian media because businessmen from the country have big investments in clubs there, although it’s not been quite as successful as at Wolves yet.
It’s getting pretty clear the European media will have eyes on Wolves in the Premier League, and with some affection. This can only be good for the club, on the commercial front and attracting players.
