Ruben Neves: Short-term thinking improves Wolves
Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves says FA Cup semi-finalists Wolves’ game-by-game approach makes them a better team.
Neves’ boss Nuno Espirito Santo is known his his game-by-game mantra and never looking too far ahead.
That’s an approach mirrored by the players – and Neves, speaking after Saturday’s wonderful 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final win over Manchester United – believes it improves their results.
“We don’t think in the future, that’s what makes us better,” Neves said.
“It’s all about our thoughts, we think only game by game.
“Even against the big teams, it doesn’t matter for us who we play, we want to win every game and play well, and we showed again on Saturday.
Molineux was absolutely bouncing for the United win.
Neves said the fans definitely played their part in a special occasion.
“It was incredible,” he said.
“The people were unbelievable like usual, but it was a little bit more special, so thanks for them. The fans deserved it.
“The main thing is we achieved the win and we are at Wembley, to play the semi-final.
“It was a very good game, we deserved the win and now let’s keep going, let’s keep working. We have a league game next.”
Neves teed up Diogo Jota in the build-up to Wolves’ second goal.
Their compatriot Joao Moutinho was the architect for the opener, finished off by Raul Jimenez.
Neves said of that first goal: “It was a beautiful moment for us.
“We thought we already deserved a goal and fortunately Raul again scored the first one for us, but I think we controlled the whole game and enjoyed the win.
“They didn’t have too many chances to score a goal, we controlled without the ball and everybody knows our quality up front and in possession, so we can score against every team.
“Fortunately, our two strikers again scored, they are playing very well and fortunately we go through.”
Neves has now linked up with Portugal for two Euro 2020 qualifiers.
They will face Ukraine on Friday night and then Serbia the following Tuesday, with both games being played at home.
Jota joins Neves after being called up to the senior squad for the first time. Rui Patricio and Moutinho are also involved.
