Nuno reveals controversial Wolves team news for Cardiff City

Nuno reveals controversial Wolves team news for Cardiff City clash as star axed


Birmingham Live

Friday 1st March 2019


Fans react after Nuno drops £18m Patricio for John Ruddy vs Cardiff at Molineux


John Ruddy will start in goal for Wolverhampton Wanderers against Cardiff City on Saturday.

Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed the switch between the sticks at his press conference ahead of the Premier League clash at Molineux.

Ruddy is yet to feature in a league match this season - providing back-up for summer signing Rui Patricio who has played every game.

Instead Ruddy has been Wolves’ cup goalkeeper, and with the crucial FA Cup quarter final against Manchester United a only fortnight away, Nuno wants to ensure the 32-year-old is fully prepared for the challenge.


Confirming the change, the Wolves boss said: “In terms of who is going to play, we have already made our decisions. We don't normally do this, but to avoid any confusion, John Ruddy is going to play tomorrow because we consider it is the right moment to prepare him for what's coming in front of us.

“Because in two weeks' time, we're going to play in the FA Cup, and John Ruddy is going to be in goal. We consider this is the right moment for him to get some game time competition, and to be stronger.

“We have a lot of confidence in the three goalkeepers we have. Rui has been playing in the league, John has been playing in the Cup, Will Norris has not had a chance until now to play but we have 100 per cent confidence in all three."

Bad news for us, Patricio is an incredibly overrated keeper who fails to command his box. He was at fault for Gunnarsson’s goal earlier this season and he let in a soft one against Newcastle recently too. Ruddy is a solid, reliable keeper. I would have much preferred Patricio in goal for them.