Bruno Lage, the manager of Wolves, and forward Ruben Neves criticized the referee for not ejecting Fabian Schar from Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle.
Neves scored the opening goal from beyond the box to give the Wanderers the lead in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle, serving as just another example of his skill and technique. Allan Saint-Maximin’s stunning goal guaranteed that the points were split at Molineux late in the game.
Wolves are still without a victory in the Premier League this year after giving up an Allan Saint-Maximin wonder goal in stoppage time.
Wolves had a terrible afternoon and felt wronged by when a second goal from Raul Jimenez was disallowed in addition to being displeased that they were not given a penalty.
Lage responded to Schar’s challenge on Pedro Neto by saying, “Ninety percent of people would agree it’s a red card after watching the image. However, the VAR and the referee make a different choices. I think it needs to be a red card.”
“At the end it is detailed,” stated Neves. One detail might have been when Neto nearly fractured his leg and the referee didn’t get to the screen.
“Another element is that the referee runs to the screen after we score a second goal. Every year, there are numerous meetings before the season kicks off, but when you witness one of our players nearly breaking their leg in a tackle and the referee doesn’t look at the screen, you wonder why.”
Meanwhile, coach Lage stated that he is essentially assured that he would keep his captain, Ruben Neves at Wolves beyond this summer transfer window.
In light of Manchester United and Liverpool’s interest, Bruno Lage said Wolves are not thinking of selling Ruben Neves anytime soon.
“Ruben is playing extremely well, which is why he was so crucial last season,” the manager said. “He got going at a nice time. He has been outstanding here since the very beginning. It’s time to get back to work now.
“He will most likely remain with us for another year, in my opinion. I can say 100, but the market is unpredictable.”
Neves, a Portuguese midfielder, has been strongly connected with moves away from Wolves this summer. The player might be tempted to push for an exit if a club playing a European club competition comes with a tempting offer.
However, with little time left in the transfer window, Neves is appearing more and more likely to remain at Wolves for the time being. Manager Lage, like most stakeholders at the club, is not ready to pathways with the versatile Portuguese star.
Neves seemed to be the kind of player that Liverpool would be interested in, particularly given his close ties to assistant manager Pep Lijnders.
The Anfield leadership may need to search elsewhere and only has four days to do so as Lage looks quite confident about keeping the midfielder.
Neves should be kept around for the time being because Wolves will need to find a replacement which might not be easy. After all, the transfer window will close on September 1.
After four games this season, Wolves are still winless. Their next Premier League game is against Bournemouth on August 31.
