Vitor Pereira took training for the first time as Wolves boss on Thursday after agreeing an 18-month deal to take charge of the Premier League strugglers.
The Portuguese coach has signed a contract at Molineux until the end of next season. Wolves moved for Pereira, a client of influential agent Jorge Mendes, soon after they sacked Gary O’Neil on December 15.
Wolves will invest in the January transfer window with central defence a priority, yet it will still be a tall order for Pereira to keep them up. They have nine points from 16 games and after Sunday’s trip to Leicester, who are also fighting relegation, Wolves’ next six league fixtures are against Manchester United, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, Chelsea and Arsenal.
They may also be without star attacker Matheus Cunha for a significant period. The Brazilian was charged by the FA for an altercation with an Ipswich member of staff after Wolves lost 2-1 to Kieran McKenna’s side in O’Neil’s final game. Cunha had until Thursday to answer the charge.
Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said: ‘This is a challenging moment for the club, and we want to thank Vitor for taking on this responsibility.
‘We have full confidence in his ability to guide us back on track, alongside the players and staff, and the entire club will be united in supporting him to achieve success.’
Wolves have confirmed the appointment of Vitor Pereira (above) as their new head coach
Former boss Gary O’Neil was sacked following a disappointing defeat by Ipswich
Pereira may have to cope without star player Matheus Cunha for a significant period after the forward was charged following an altercation with an Ipswich member of staff on Saturday
Sporting director Matt Hobbs added: ‘I’m looking forward to working closely with Vitor and his team on a daily basis and supporting them in every way possible, from getting the maximum out of our staff at Compton, to recruitment in the upcoming transfer window – as we work together to strengthen the squad and achieve our collective goals.’
It is Wolves’ first Portuguese appointment since Bruno Lage replaced Nuno Espirito Santo in 2021.
They have had close ties with Portugal in the last decade thanks to strong relations between owners Fosun and super-agent Mendes.
Only last Thursday, Wolves chairman Jeff Shi wrote an article in the local newspaper in which he gave backing to O’Neil.
But the manner of the defeat by Ipswich on Saturday convinced the hierarchy that change was needed.
Wolves conceded from a set piece in stoppage time – their 16th from a dead ball this term – and Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri were involved in scuffles after the final whistle.
Ait-Nouri was shown a second yellow card and will miss Sunday’s trip to fellow strugglers Leicester.
