WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 25: Wolves badge on a corner flag during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley at Molineux on April 25, 2021 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
Bruno Lage, the head coach of the Wolves, has been fired.
Wolves fired head coach Bruno Lage after only 16 months in charge.
The club responded fast following Saturday’s 2-0 loss at West Ham, which sent Wolves into the relegation zone with only one win in their first eight Premier League games.
Lage has been under fire, with his team scoring only three goals in those eight games, and the atmosphere among the fans has soured in recent weeks, particularly following the defeat to the Hammers.
The 46-year-old enjoyed a promising start to life at Wolves last season as the team competed for European football, but a poor finish saw them drop to 10th place.
Despite a large player change this summer, the Wolves’ terrible record has continued into this season, with the team winning just one of the last 15 games in both seasons.
The Wolves board of directors did not convene on Saturday evening following the defeat to West Ham, but discussions continued on Sunday with Lage’s future in question.
The club has now decided to replace him, resulting in a bad return on the £113.4 million they paid in the summer. This sum includes the £12 million spent by Wolves to extend Hwnag Hee-chan’s loan.
Among Wolves’ five permanent signings this summer, the club also smashed their transfer record with the £38million capture of Matheus Nunes, which could rise to £42million.
After making a significant investment, the club have been disappointed with the start to the season and will now look to appoint a successor to Lage.
In a club statement, chairman Jeff Shi thanked Lage for his service:
“Bruno is an excellent coach, a hardworking and dedicated manager, and a warm, wise and honest man,” he said
“He and his staff have been a pleasure to work with throughout their time at Wolves, so it is with much sadness that we have had to make what has been a difficult decision.
“I honestly have no doubts about Bruno’s ability, and I’m sure he will succeed elsewhere, however the team’s form and performances over the last few months mean that we have no choice but to act.
“On behalf of everyone at Wolves, I would like to place on record our gratitude to Bruno and his coaching team for all their efforts during their time with the club, and wish them the very best for the future.”
The club also confirmed coaches Steve Davis and James Collins will prepare the team this week for the trip to Chelsea.
