New Delhi: Premier League club Wolves have officially announced the appointment of Portuguese manager Vítor Pereira as their new head coach on an 18-month deal. The Portuguese arrives from Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab, stepping into the role following the dismissal of Gary O’Neil. Pereira brings a wealth of international experience to a Wolves side currently struggling near the bottom of the Premier League.
The 56-year-old has been a journeyman manager, having managed in seven countries, including Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Germany, China, and Brazil, before his recent stint in Saudi Arabia. While he hasn’t managed in any of the top five leagues before, he has achieved considerable success in his career with league titles with FC Porto, Olympiacos, and Shanghai SIPG. He now faces the challenge of revitalizing Wolves, who sit second-bottom in the Premier League after four consecutive losses.
His tenure begins with a crucial clash against Leicester City on Sunday with the club desperate for points. The Wolves board has placed significant faith in Pereira to reverse the club’s fortunes during a turbulent season. The club’s chairman, Jeff Shi acknowledged the difficulties facing the team but expressed optimism about Pereira’s ability to turn things around. “This is a challenging moment for the club, and we want to thank Vítor for taking on this responsibility. We have full confidence in his ability to guide us back on track, alongside the players and staff,” Shi said.
Welcome to Wolves, Vitor 🤝
— Wolves (@Wolves) December 19, 2024
Wolves have paid approximately £800,000 to release Pereira from his contract with Al-Shabab, where he had been since February. In anticipation of the January transfer window, the club plans to bolster Pereira’s squad, with a center-back identified as a key priority. After the sale of club captain Max Kilman in the summer, the club didn’t replace him well which played a part in Wolves letting in a league high 40 goals till now.
Pereira inherits a squad grappling with both on-field and disciplinary issues. The team’s defensive frailty and lack of consistency have been compounded by recent incidents of unrest. José Sá confronted a fan after a loss to Bournemouth, Mario Lemina clashed with former assistant coach Shaun Derry, and Rayan Aït-Nouri was sent off following a defeat to Ipswich.
Additionally, Wolves’ star forward Matheus Cunha faces an FA charge for unsportsmanlike behavior after a post-match altercation in the same game. Pereira will have to manage these internal challenges while striving to improve results on the pitch. Mario Lemina was stripped off his captaincy by former manager Gary O’Neil and replaced him with Portuguese right-back Nelson Semedo and it remains to be seen whether Pereira will stick to the choice or make a change for himself.
A Proven Leader with a Fiery Reputation
Wolves’ incoming manager Vitor Pereira did not make many friends in his recent jobs. 😬
🗣️🎙️ @Tim_Vickery#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/GCLLE9McSd
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) December 17, 2024
Pereira’s managerial track record highlights his unstable professional career and his temper has occasionally made headlines. While managing Corinthians in Brazil, he dismissed concerns about job security with a blunt remark: “At this stage of my life, of my career, do you think I’m afraid of losing my job? Do you have any idea how much money I’ve got in the bank, mate?”
Despite his fiery demeanor, Pereira has shown his ability to inspire teams. Wolves hope that his experience and tactical acumen will stabilize a team that has struggled for form and discipline. Pereira has already worked with Wolves midfielder João Gomes during his brief time at Flamengo, which could aid his integration into the squad. Wolves fans will be eagerly watching as Pereira takes charge of his first match against Leicester City.
With the club currently in dire need of results, Pereira’s tenure promises to be both challenging and crucial in shaping the future of Wolves’ Premier League campaign. He becomes the third Portuguese manager to take charge of the club after former managers Nuno Espirito Santo and Bruno Lage, both of whom earned varying degrees of success for the club and Pereira would be hoping to achieve the same, starting by steering them away from relegation.
Premier League club have confirmed the arrival of Vitor Pereira as the new head coach for Wolves following the sacking of former manager Gary O’Neil this past Sunday. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
