Despite a clash with fans following the weekend’s defeat to Burnley, Wolves boss Vitor Pereira’s position seems secure despite the team’s on-field struggles. Wolves, who are set to face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League table after nine matches. They have yet to secure a win in the league, having lost seven games and drawn two, with a goal difference of minus 12.
Pereira took over the reins at Wolves in December 2024, following the sacking of Gary O’Neil, when the team was languishing in 19th place in the Premier League. He successfully steered the club to safety, with a winning streak of six consecutive victories in March and April proving pivotal as they finished a comfortable 17 points clear of the relegation zone.
Despite the team’s ongoing struggles this season, owner Jeff Shi showed his faith in Pereira by offering him a new contract earlier this season, and the club’s stance remains unchanged with the manager still enjoying their support.
Wolves’ sluggish start to the season follows a challenging summer transfer window, which saw last season’s top scorer Matheus Cunha depart for Manchester United, while his replacement Tolu Arokodare is still finding his feet.
The Nigerian striker scored his first goal for the club in the Carabao Cup third round victory over Everton, but has yet to find the back of the net in the league.
Wolves mounted a spirited fightback against Burnley on Sunday, clawing their way back from 2-0 down to 2-2 by half-time and coming agonisingly close to snatching a winner.
But their efforts proved futile when Lyle Foster delivered a devastating late strike to secure victory for the Clarets.
Following the final whistle, angry supporters confronted Pereira on the pitch and goalkeeper Jose Sa in the Molineux car park.
Despite the hostility, the manager acknowledged the fans’ disappointment in his post-match comments.
“It’s normal the frustrations of a result in the last minute, it’s normal that the supporters are frustrated,” he said. “In my opinion the team deserved the support because the players gave everything on the pitch to win the game.
“We understand because at the end of another defeat it’s difficult to have the balance, but we need them. We cannot fight alone, the players cannot fight alone. We need them, and united and together we can do it.”
He continued: “I have a lot of experience in football. A few months ago they sang my name. When I arrived here the club was in a very bad position, and we are in the Premier League because together we got it.
“We did fantastic work to be here competing in the Premier League. But I understand it’s football. If you win two or three games in a row everything changes. I’m concerned about the team. I’m concerned about winning games, it’s not about me, it’s about the team, about the club.”
