A Premier survival story: How did Vitor Pereira rescue Wolves?

Facing relegation when appointed in December, former Fenerbahçe coach Vitor Pereira transformed Wolves' season. Replacing Gary O'Neil, he immediately imposed discipline (cancelling Christmas break) and crucial tactical clarity, simplifying roles within a 3-4-3 system. By restoring player confidence, decisively managing personnel and influencing key signings like Agbadou and Munetsi, Pereira addressed the team's fragility. This clear strategy and renewed focus reversed Wolves' fortunes, leading them from second-bottom to Premier League safety with weeks to spare, securing impressive results along the way.

When former Fenerbahçe coach Vitor Pereira arrived at Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 19th, the club was engulfed in a crisis, languishing second from bottom in the Premier League table and facing a serious threat of relegation. The dismissal of his predecessor, Gary O’Neil, came after a demoralizing run capped by a loss to fellow strugglers Ipswich Town. O’Neil’s tenure, initially promising after Julen Lopetegui’s abrupt pre-season departure, had unravelled amidst tactical confusion, waning player discipline, and a pervasive sense of desperation, leaving the club hierarchy feeling compelled to act.

One of Pereira’s first decisions was highly symbolic: cancelling the squad's planned Christmas Day off. This immediately signalled a shift towards greater intensity and focus, replacing a schedule that would have seen players with their families ahead of a crucial Boxing Day fixture against Manchester United. The impact was immediate and striking. Wolves defeated Manchester United 2-0, following a commanding 3-0 victory over Leicester City in Pereira's debut match just days earlier. A significant turnaround was clearly initiated.

Few could have foreseen then that this revival would culminate in Wolves securing their Premier League status as early as mid-April, ironically and fortuitously confirmed with a win against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Pablo Sarabia's decisive free-kick not only guaranteed safety but also completed Wolves' first league double over United in 45 years and marked their fifth consecutive top-flight victory, a streak unmatched since the 1970-71 season. The joyous celebrations at Old Trafford underscored a newfound confidence that seemed utterly implausible just four months prior.

Pereira himself appeared emotionally drained by the achievement, admitting tiredness in his post-match press conference, his focus already shifting to future games rather than basking in the relief of survival. However, the club's supporters were more than ready to celebrate the Portuguese coach's impact.

The root of Pereira's success lay in addressing the core issues plaguing the team he inherited. For instance he immediately identified a severe lack of confidence, deeply affected by the season's struggles and moments of on-field indiscipline, such as Matheus Cunha's bizarre altercation following the Ipswich defeat. Pereira’s primary solution was to implement tactical clarity. He simplified the team's strategic approach from his very first training session, outlining straightforward roles within a familiar 3-4-3 formation – a system that resonated well with the squad's significant Portuguese-speaking contingent and recalled the successful era under Nuno Espirito Santo, albeit with a more proactive, high-pressing style compared to Nuno's counter-attacking focus. This clarity provided a stark contrast to the perceived over-complication under O’Neil. Key issues, like defending set pieces – a persistent problem for O'Neil – were addressed by boosting player confidence and encouraging initiative.

Alongside tactical adjustments, Pereira subtly reintroduced a stronger sense of discipline and authority. While O’Neil had prioritized player comfort, Pereira brought back routines like pre-match hotel stays and communal mealtimes. He conducted numerous squad meetings and one-on-one sessions, focusing on rebuilding belief and reinforcing his tactical plans. The 56-year-old's greater experience commanded respect, providing a stabilizing influence where O'Neil's authority had seemed to fade, exemplified by incidents like Mario Lemina's earlier post-match meltdown. The compact nature of the Compton Park training ground also facilitated informal interactions, allowing Pereira and his staff to offer continuous encouragement.

Pereira demonstrated a decisive edge in player management. After Mario Lemina, already stripped of the captaincy by O'Neil, performed poorly as a substitute, ex-Fenerbahçe coach Pereira removed him from first-team consideration, facilitating his 2.5 million Euros move to Galatasaray where he joined on a loan deal back in 2019-2020 season.

Similarly, veteran defender Craig Dawson, not part of Pereira's plans, was excused from training after the January transfer window to avoid any potential disruption to squad harmony, despite having no disciplinary issues. This firm handling of senior players helped maintain focus within the group. While taking a softer initial approach with key attacker Matheus Cunha, Pereira didn't shy away from criticising his body language and emphasized the team ethic over individual reliance, especially during Cunha's suspension.

The January transfer window presented a brief challenge, with defeats against stronger opponents coinciding with speculation around player futures. Pereira believed these distractions temporarily hampered progress. However, once Lemina departed and Cunha secured a new contract, the team's focus returned, fuelling the successful run towards safety. Pereira's influence was also evident in recruitment; his strong backing was pivotal in signing defender Emmanuel Agbadou, who proved transformative, and midfielder Marshall Munetsi, targeted for a specific role within the system.

Nelson Semedo's contribution as captain, a role he inherited just before O'Neil's departure, was also highlighted by Pereira as crucial. Former Barça player's leadership, both on the pitch and in fostering team cohesion through organized social events, was praised.

Having successfully navigated Wolves away from disaster, Pereira, whose initial contract runs until the summer of 2026, has become a popular figure among fans, partly due to his willingness to interact with them in the community. While the club may exercise caution regarding a long-term extension, given the rapid decline under O'Neil after his own new deal, they are keen to keep the well-travelled coach.

Pereira, having long sought a Premier League opportunity, seems eager to stay and continue building, anticipating the need to reshape the squad further following expected summer departures. His intervention undoubtedly saved Wolves' season, restoring clarity, authority, and belief when they were needed most.