WATCH FOR ALL THE KEY POINTS FROM VITOR PEREIRA'S PRESS CONFERENCE
Key takeaways from Vítor Pereira’s press conference before Wolves face Sunderland
Vítor Pereira faced the media ahead of Wolves’ trip to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. He owned up to a touchline mistake, spoke about late goals, and set out what his team must do to turn draws into wins. Here are the main points.
Pereira apologises for touchline incident
- He began by apologizing for kicking the ball during a moment of frustration in a recent match.
- He called it improper behavior, said it cannot happen again, and apologised to the club and fans.
- His hearing will be after this weekend, so he will be on the touchline against Sunderland.
Results vs progress: frustrated but encouraged
- Wolves are unbeaten in their last three across competitions: a cup win, a draw at Tottenham, and a draw against Brighton.
- Pereira is frustrated by late dropped points, calling them “small detail, but a big detail.”
- He believes the team is more competitive now and “very close to winning.”
- What needs to change: be clinical and defend to the last minute
- He said improvement is needed at both ends: take chances to make it 2-0 when they come, and stop conceding late.
- The Brighton equaliser came from a fast corner routine Wolves had scouted. Fatigue and focus dropped late on.
- Aim: keep concentration to the final whistle.
Pressure and mindset
- Pereira says he doesn’t feel outside pressure; he avoids media and TV.
- The pressure he feels is internal. He believes in the squad and is sure results will come with the daily work he sees.
League position and confidence
- He isn’t panicking about the table but knows points change confidence and decision-making.
- He sees this period as a time to build confidence through performance and small improvements.
Training tweaks: not creating a mental block
- On late goals: the Tottenham and Brighton matches were different cases.
- Spurs: Wolves controlled crosses well and deserved to win; the late goal had a luck element.
- Brighton: communication was hard with Pereira not on the touchline, which affected in-game decisions.
- He won’t turn this into a “mental problem,” but the staff are reinforcing details and game management.
Facing Sunderland: set-piece strength and aerial duels
- Sunderland score a high share of non-penalty goals from balls into the box and set plays.
- Wolves are preparing for aerial battles and delivery into the area, especially with Sunderland strong at home.
- Pereira stressed sticking to Wolves’ identity: play their football, compete, and be brave.
Fitness and team news
- A few small injury concerns: Hwang Hee-chan (Channy) and Bellegarde are being monitored and will be assessed on matchday.
- On Jorgen Strand Larsen’s minutes and pain management: he’s trying his best while dealing with pain and hopes to help again.
Leadership on the pitch
- Pereira says leadership is being built inside the squad.
- Leaders can be coached by giving players space to speak and command during training.
- Santi Bueno captained his national side this week, which the coach praised as a sign of character and quality.
International break impact
- Many Wolves players traveled worldwide. That’s a positive sign of squad quality, but recovery and freshness are always a challenge.
- The staff are working to keep connections and communication strong on the pitch, player-to-player.
What to watch for at the Stadium of Light
- Set pieces and crosses: Can Wolves win first and second balls and stay switched on late?
- Game management in the final 10 minutes: focus on defensive shape, quick restarts, and marking on short corners.
- On-field leadership: Who steps up to organise, slow or speed the game, and manage transitions?
To wrap-up Pereira’s message is accountability, belief, and details. Wolves feel close to turning performances into wins. Against a strong Sunderland side at home, the margins will be set pieces, focus, and finishing.