WATCH FOR OUR THOUGHTS ON VITOR PEREIRA'S PRESS CONFERENCE
Calm, measured, and straight to the point, that was the feel from Vitor Pereira ahead of Wolves’ trip to Tottenham. Not upbeat, not gloomy, just focused. The key updates centred on fitness, striker management, formation options, and a clear message to the squad that the settling-in period is over.
This breakdown pulls out the main questions and answers, with some thoughts on what it means for the starting XI and game plan on Saturday night.
No Major Injuries, But Striker Management Is Key
The headline was simple and very welcome: “We’ve got no injury news.” A full group gives the head coach real choice, and it gives fans hope that we’ll see a more settled identity now the squad have trained together for a proper block.
It also removes excuses. With a full bench and fit starters, it becomes about form, training levels, and the best blend for Tottenham away.
Spotlight on Strand Larsen and TOlu
There was one caveat. The two centre forwards, Jørgen Strand Larsen and Tolu Arokodare are being managed. Strand Larsen is returning from injury, and Tolu arrived without full fitness, so the staff have been building their minutes. The coach wants them both fit, and that was clear.
Reflections on Tuesday’s game
Pereira acknowledged the midweek display. The players who featured gave him selection problems, and in the best possible way. It felt like a stepping stone after a tough start, but he also made it clear that the Premier League is where those performances must translate into points. A positive night is useful, but wins change the picture.
Back four and formation flexibility
The question of a back four came up, and the message was measured. He wants multiple options, and he hinted that Tottenham present a very different test. That does not mean he will react to them first. The plan is to put the focus on what Wolves do well.
Ladislav Krejci’s versatility, and the Andre question
The coach name-checked Ladislav Krejci as a quality player who can play in defence or midfield. That flexibility is a real asset in a tight game. There was also a strong view that Andre should be central to things, after a midweek outing where he made 50 passes at a 100% completion rate. That is control. That is tempo.
Reading between the lines, there seems to be a clear standard around training. No one gets a shirt without the work in the week. That is fair. At the same time, there is a fear of cutting off your nose to spite your face. On form, Andre looks like he should start. The balance is simple. Keep the training standards high and pick the players who set the rhythm.
Focus on Wolves, not opponents
Tottenham are a very strong side with quality in every line. Pereira was clear about that. He was also clear about the focus. We’re not worrying about what they do, we’re going to concentrate on what we do. The mentality is to go and try to win the game, not set up for a draw. That intent matters, and the league table demands it.
This is a useful mindset shift: concentrate on what we do. Be brave with and without the ball. Work hard, compete at set pieces, and trust the system.
Season reset and player expectations
There was a telling line: the season has almost started now. With the full group fit and training together, the staff can push the standards and build a recognisable style. The message to the squad was pointed. Show why we brought you here to the Premier League. The settling-in time is up.
That urgency is good. Results need to follow, and the next few games will show how much of this work transfers to match day.
Emerging Identity And Excitement For The Match
Pereira looked relaxed. Not casual, just assured. He spoke about the work being done on the training ground and said he wants supporters to start seeing the identity. You should begin to spot players making better in-game decisions and reacting as a unit, not as individuals. Tottenham is a big stage to prove it.
There was also a reminder that Wolves tend to raise their level in this fixture. The record against Tottenham has been good in recent years, and belief matters when margins are tight. A win here would be absolutely fantastic and would get the season up and running in the way everyone wants.