Bristol City vs Wolves: Lee Johnson comes face-to-face with old friend Nuno
Boss Lee Johnson has called on Bristol City supporters to turn up the volume as he prepares to come face-to-face with an old friend tomorrow.
Johnson gets on well with Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo, with the pair having done their coaching badges together.
But he acknowledges friendship will go out of the window as his Robins team look to cut the gap on the Championship leaders.
City have already seen off Manchester United in the League Cup this month and Johnson believes a similar atmosphere will be required against Wolves.
“A lot of money has to be shelled out at Christmas, so it was a great crowd against Reading earlier this week and we’re very appreciative of that support,” he said.
“We’re going to need a similar type atmosphere to the Manchester United game and the second half against Reading because Wolves are a top, top side.”
He added: “Myself and Nuno share the odd text message, but for both teams and players on the day it will be all about winning. We’ll share a drink after, win, lose or draw, before moving on.”
City sit eight points behind Wolves in the table, having won five of their last six league games.
Johnson believes his team will tomorrow have the support of the division’s other promotion candidates as they try to prevent Wolves escaping further away from the pack.
“It’ll be a tough game on Saturday but we’ll do everything we can to get a result,” he said.
“They’ve spent a lot of money on their squad but it’s alright spending money – you still have to get the right players in and they’ve built a fantastic squad.
“I think from the league’s point of view, it’s important we win the game to bring Wolves back into us and the rest.
“It’s a big game and the players have to recover, rest up and be ready, including our young lads.”
Boxing Day’s 2-0 win over Reading saw the Robins climb over Cardiff and into second place in the table.
Their 39-goal haul to date, meanwhile, makes them the division’s second highest scorers, again behind Wolves. Midfielder Bobby Reid carries the biggest threat having netted 11 league goals, though defender Aden Flint is a serious threat from set-pieces and has notched six goals from the back.
The increasing confidence at the club was summed up by 19-year-old Lloyd Kelly, who came off the bench to score his first senior career goal in the win over Reading.
“I think with the progress we are making anything is possible,” said Kelly. “To go second above Cardiff is a good feeling.
“It’s a massive game on Saturday. Wolves are flying at the moment but we are right behind them and we hope to close the gap on them.”
