GEORGE LAKIN TAKES A LOOK AT LIFE AFTER CUNHA AND THE EFFECT OF UNITY AND FLAIR
The exit of Matheus Cunha could mark a new era for Wolves.
One in which unity ranks higher than individuals—and it’s been a while since that was the case. But is this the right direction to be heading in?
In recent history, Wolves have always relied heavily on star players to see them through.
Ruben Neves carried that mantle during our formative years in the Premier League, after another shining light—Diogo Jota—departed for Liverpool.
Matheus Cunha, to his credit, has risen to lay claim to the talisman role this season, after a season and a half prior in which he was solid and consistent enough, if not spectacular.
When Pedro Neto departed in the summer, the role seemed tailor-made for him—after all, who else in the squad has the raw ability required?
Which begs the further question of who will succeed him. In the current squad, there is no obvious choice, while replacing him like-for-like will be almost impossible from a financial perspective.
That’s why this may truly represent a new Wolves. A pragmatic Wolves. An industrious Wolves. Critics would argue—a boring Wolves.
But is boring always bad? Perhaps it’s the inevitable direction fair-to-middling clubs are headed. The top clubs and their seemingly endless budgets will always come along and gobble up top talents.
Wolves have previously prided themselves on playing that game, essentially making the club a stepping stone to better things.
But many of this season’s signings go against this philosophy. Emanuel Agbadou is 27, and though he looks a phenomenal asset, Wolves will, in all probability, be the peak of his career. Likewise, Marshall Munetsi at 28. Arguably even Jørgen Strand Larsen, who will turn 26 next season. Wolves feels like a final destination for these players—and that’s not a bad thing. It’s up for debate who the club get more out of: those playing for a move, or those who’ve already got probably the biggest move of their career.
Whether it’s better to strive or to have arrived is inconclusive. But this season has perhaps shown us that the model may come with its own problems beyond performances. Matheus Cunha has clearly wanted a move for the most part of the season, and he’s played like it—in the most part, in the right way. But those big flashing lights of a potential footballing giant laying down the red carpet for him have turned his head midseason. Which is something, going forward, that Wolves can ill afford to see a repeat of.
Not least because it jeopardises the stature of the club. Furthermore, it puts the harmony and morale of the camp at risk. It represents the double-edged sword of the stepping-stone model.
Wolves have been lucky until now. Bar Matheus Nunes, most of the club’s star assets have acted with grace, respect, and decorum—none more so than Ruben Neves. But Cunha represents a problem. A problem that sours all aspects of a club, from fan sentiment to outsider perspectives: what happens when players believe they are bigger than the club?
It’s an age-old issue. Sir Alex Ferguson dealt with it simply: extradition. Vítor Pereira has been a bit more nuanced in his approach, largely because he simply had to. In order to see us to safety this season, we’ve needed a large chunk of Cunha magic. After his inexcusable sending-off at Bournemouth, Pereira likely thought that would continue to be the case until the season’s end.
Yet it didn’t really transpire to be the case. Unity stood firm, and Wolves hit their best form of the season—winning six on the bounce, with little to no input from a certain Matheus Cunha.
That created a shift towards solidarity over stardom—one that Pereira will likely be keen to lean into further next season.
It may not be especially exciting, but it’s economical, and looks a solid strategy for securing safety season in, season out.
But does it miss the point? Does every team need a talisman, a big personality, a temperamental star? Is it in the essence of the game?
Perhaps football is just too functional and predictable without them—so much so that new heights may well be unattainable.
Vítor Pereira is not a magician. Flair—from somewhere—will still be required to win most games in the Premier League next season. Without it, I have no doubt Pereira will see us comfortably safe, but achieving anything beyond that without significant reinforcements will be nigh on impossible.
The current roster is strong, athletic, and relatively well-balanced—but it glaringly obviously lacks flair. More concerningly, Wolves’ second most ‘flair’ player, Rayan Aït-Nouri, is also heavily linked with a move away in the summer.
So where does that leave us? Thankfully, with a strong foundation from which to build—but nowhere near enough to push on. Cunha’s departure leaves the club at a crossroads. Do they opt for caution and replace the lost ‘flair’ with yet more options, and yet more practicality—almost certainly ensuring mediocrity next season (which has its appeals)? Or instead, do they take a chance? Pay through gritted teeth for flair in the hopes it can replace what we have lost. In doing so, sacrificing quantity for quality. After all, the budget will only ever stretch so far. The best of both worlds is reserved for those with the deepest pockets.
Wolves are poised to either consolidate their Premier League status or propel it this summer—which isn’t the worst position to be in, admittedly. The determining factor will be how the Cunha money is spent. The profile of player(s) coming through the door will speak volumes about the ambition of the club going forward. Because to progress, Pereira will almost certainly need some magic—and it doesn’t come cheap.
A cautious approach this summer may suffice for now, but going forward, lessons from the past must be addressed. When you have a good manager—no matter how happy they seem right now—you simply have to match their long-term ambitions. If not, you find yourselves back at square one all over again.
ARTICLE BY GEORGE LAKIN
George fell in love with Wolves the moment Colin Cameron fizzed one into the bottom corner against Plymouth Argyle on the 31st December 2005- during his first ever Wolves game as a child.
He loves digging a little deeper when it comes to Wolves, often conducting his own research to help him read between the lines and increase his knowledge and understanding of all aspects of our great club. He is keen to share his insight and findings with fans who share in his biggest love, -after his lovely wife, Amy and little boy, Tommy of course!- our mighty Wolverhampton Wanderers!
George is passionate about reaching and uniting all corners of the Wolves family, young and old, near and far. So make sure you don’t miss his weekly column exclusively for Always Wolves this season!