Bruno Lage makes Pedro Neto admission and reveals Wolves plan for two-week break

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ players will be given some time off this week after next weekend’s fixture against Manchester City was postponed.

Bruno Lage’s team now have a two-week break in fixtures after the City match, originally scheduled for April 17, was postponed due to their FA Cup semi-final with Liverpool. Wolves’ next match will be against Burnley at Turf Moor on April 24.

Reflecting on Wolves’ 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Friday evening, which saw the opportunity to move into sixth position passed up, Lage said now is the perfect time for his players to recharge their batteries. Wolves’ European hopes were boosted by their rivals’ poor results on Saturday and Sunday, but they will need a large points return from a tricky final six matches.

“Since the middle of December these boys have been working so hard every day,” Lage said. “We challenge them at every point. All they have had after Crystal Palace (March 5) is one day off, so we are going to give them some days off. They deserve it. They are professional. After, we will come with full energy to play against Burnley.”

Lage’s team were hit by four notable absentees against Newcastle, with Leander Dendoncker and Daniel Podence joining Ruben Neves (knee) and Raul Jimenez (suspended) on the sidelines. The starting line-up was markedly weaker and Lage had very few options on the bench to turn the game around after Chris Wood’s penalty.

Pedro Neto was the first player Lage called upon, and the winger made a positive impression after coming on in the 78th minute. The 21-year-old worked his way into some good positions and threatened Newcastle’s goal in a lively cameo.

But Lage was reluctant to bring Neto on earlier due to a few niggles the Portuguese has