Nuno Espirito Santo is adored in Wolverhampton for guiding Wolves back into the top-flight as an all-conquering Championship side.

You should not envy the 44-year-old’s position, though, as the board demands a lot if you take charge at Molineux on Football Manager 2019.

A small squad will make their demands an even tougher challenge, too, as it means you are forced to rely on the same players even though FM19 requires rotation...

The board’s expectations

FM19 TEAM GUIDE WOLVES

Wolves do not care that they were in the Championship last year as the minimum expectations of your time at the helm is a top half finish in the Premier League.

You will also have to take the cups seriously, too, as the fifth round of the FA Cup and fourth round of the Carabao Cup are highly desired – meaning simply playing the kids throughout is not going to cut it.

The transfer war chest

There is a serious need for reinforcements at Molineux as the squad is thin to the bone in some positions.

As such, you are dealt a transfer budget of £19.3million, but with just £34k set aside for wages, some departures will be needed.

Three players to buy

Nicolas Tagliafico

Nicolas Tagliafico FM19

You only have one option to consider at left-back in Ruben Vinagre, but the 19-year-old is stronger deployed further up the field for his defensive attributes are not that great.

Signing a more experienced option, like Ajax star Nicolas Tagliafico, will allow you to develop the Portuguese wonderkid’s rating at a steady pace and the Argentine can work as Vinagre’s mentor.

Tagliafico is only valued at £6.75million and earns £9,000-a-week, so will not eat too much of your budget.

Geromel

There are a few centre-backs who can grow into great options, but you really should consider a proven defender to supplement the younger options to meet the board’s high-demands.

32-year-old Brazil star Geromel is an incredible bargain centre-back for he is valued at £4.2million, yet has 16 tackling, 16 leadership and 15 positioning.

Samir Nasri

Samir Nasri FM19

Wolves have a lot of options to play on the wings, but there is a severe lack of central attacking midfielders.

Former Arsenal and Manchester City ace Samir Nasri can provide the creativity needed from the centre and being a free agent, the attacking mid, capable of playing across the line, would be a sensible addition.

What he would bring to the club attribute wise is exemplified in his 17 technique, 16 vision, 16 passing and 14 finishing.

Watch the video below to check out the hilarious things footballers get up to at Christmas...

Three players to sell

Ryan Bennett

If you need cash for new player’s, start by selling Ryan Bennett. The 28-year-old is an average tackler, will get tired often, and yet is valued at £6.25million.

The long-term Norwich addition’s severe lack of stamina will ensure he rarely features.

Matt Doherty

Matt Doherty FM19

With Atletico Madrid’s loanee Jonny Castro the clear number one right-back, and Dominic Iorfa a strong alternative, you can get away with cashing in on Matt Doherty’s £14m valuation.

The 26-year-old is not going to get any better over time, and his transfer value is considerable given his talent.

Romain Saiss

Selling Romain Saiss will take your depth in central numbers down, and the 28-year-old can play a great deep lying playmaker role, but his exit is manageable.

If his £9.5million valuation goes towards a top quality addition joining, seriously consider if you will use the Moroccan earning £22,000-a-week.

Three for the future

Morgan Gibbs-White

18-year-old midfield prospect Morgan Gibbs-White has been at the club since he was eight, and earned his senior promotion in February 2017.

The Stafford-born star can easily be utilised in the first-team despite his tender age, and play a variety of roles in your side.

Ruben Neves

Ruben Neves FM19

Ruben Neves is the gem at the heart of Wolves's side with his world-class potential and phenomenal passing. Never forget his killer long shots as the 21-year-old pulls the strings from a central midfield position.

Diogo Jota

Wolves forward Diogo Jota can easily become one of the best players in your side by rating, let alone importance. The 21-year-old wonderkid can even play at striker if you work on his finishing, but is better suited to the left-wing.