Wolves sack manager Bruno Lage after poor start in Premier League

Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said the club were left with “no choice but to act” after firing manager Bruno Lage on Sunday.

The 46-year-old guided Wolves to a 10th-placed finish last season after succeeding Nuno Espirito Santo in June 2021.

But the Midlands club have won only once this term and Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at West Ham dropped them into the bottom three of the Premier League.

Shi told the club website: “Bruno is an excellent coach, a hard working and dedicated manager, and a warm, wise and honest man.

“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.”

Lage previously managed Benfica in his native Portugal before joining Wolves, winning the Primeira Liga in his first season in charge.

WEST HAM PLAYER RATINGS: Lukas Fabianski 7 – Called into action early on when he tipped over from Podence, and again wide to his right from Otto. Rarely threatened thereafter. Getty

He also worked as Carlos Carvalhal’s assistant at Swansea during the Welsh club’s time in the Premier League.

Wolves spent more than £100 million over the summer, with Sasa Kalajdzic, Matheus Nunes, Goncalo Guedes and Nathan Collins all arriving for fees after finishing last season poorly.

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