Wolverhampton Wanderers have parted ways with Bruno Lage after 16 months in charge at Molineux following Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to West Ham, a result that left the side in the bottom three.
Wolves have only scored three goals in eight Premier League games this season and have won just once, picking up six points from a possible 24. Following their loss to the Hammers, the Midlands outfit have now lost nine of their last 15 league matches.
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The Portuguese manager replaced compatriot Nuno Espirito Santo last summer and led Wolves to an admirable 10th-placed finish in his maiden season in charge.
Despite their top-half finish, the lack of goals (38) was a concern and one that Lage had hoped to remedy this summer, spending over £100m bringing in the likes of Goncalo Guedes, Matheus Nunes and Sasa Kalajdzic. Veteran former Chelsea forward Diego Costa, who made his debut this weekend, was also brought in on a free.
Lage’s side haven’t won away from home in eight games, the club’s worst run since the 2011/12 campaign, and were booed off the pitch by a number of the visiting fans against West Ham.
Speaking in the aftermath of yesterday’s defeat, Lage said, "The only thing I can say is that I'm sorry about the situation.
"We've tried to solve these little problems we have and at the moment we aren't getting points or goals, but we are working hard for them."
Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said in a statement: “Bruno is an excellent coach, a hardworking 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.”
Wolves confirmed that Steve Davis and James Collins will prepare the team this week for their trip to Chelsea on Saturday.
The club are also believed to have studied potential successors to the 46-year-old already.
