Vitor Pereira’s press conference: crystal palace v wolves

I want to start by saying congratulations on being nominated for Premier League Manager of the Year. You were also Manager of the Month in April. How special is that nomination to you?

It was a surprise since I joined the league mid-season. It’s something to feel proud of. I’m proud of my players, my staff, the club, and the supporters. This was a team effort. It’s not just my achievement. It’s definitely something special, and I’m very proud.

In last week’s press conference, you talked about creating something special at Wolves. You mentioned the bond with the fans and even spoke about creating art. As you head into the final away game tomorrow, have you painted the picture you imagined when you first arrived?

I’m still painting. I’m in the process. I hope next season to build something stronger and more consistent, and to improve the level of play. I say “create” because a team’s work is never finished. It’s alive, and you can always improve.

You’ve made quite a few changes in the last five months—bringing confidence, a new identity, and a new formation. What are you most proud of, and what’s been your biggest success personally?

When we arrived, the situation was tough. Now, before the season ends, we can breathe easier and breathe confidence. Together, the work we’ve done created the conditions to avoid struggling until the last game. We’re in good shape. We want the best results for the rest of the season, but we’re proud of the work we’ve done.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, can you give an update on the team? Any fresh injuries?

We have two players with minor issues. Tommy Doyle has a small problem, and Sam has been working to clear an older injury. They’re not serious—just small things they need to clean up.

You’ll be facing Crystal Palace, who won the FA Cup recently. They’ve exceeded expectations this season. What are your thoughts on their win and their season overall?

I congratulate them. It’s a huge achievement and good for football when a smaller club beats a big one. They’re a consistent team with good players and a very good manager. We expect a strong opponent but will focus on our own team and style. That’s how we prepare—looking to improve on the last game.

Is it a positive or negative facing a team coming off a big final?

The motivation of their team and supporters will be very high. But when preparing, I focus on my team—what we can improve and do better. We want to be more consistent next season and play better football. That’s how we raise our level.

About Matheus Cunha—there’s been talk of him moving to Manchester United. His future seems uncertain. Have you talked with him?

I have no more information than you do. I don’t really know. I know he’s my player, committed to the team, working happily. We’ll see what happens.

Do you think he wants to stay, based on training?

You’ll have to ask him. He seems happy.

With just two games left this season, you reached six wins in a row before two defeats. There were positives, like against Manchester City. How do you plan to finish strong?

I’m not sure, but I’ll try. It’s tough to stay motivated when you’re not fighting for Europe or against relegation—just competing for the best spot. We need the right mindset whether playing home or away. I respect the opponent, but this is about us and our mentality. I hope we play well, enjoy the game, and finish proud of our work.

You said the FA Cup win was good for football. Did you watch it? As a manager with many trophies, do you think about what it would be like to win again?

I’m not a dreamer. They earned it because they’re consistent and play a league-style game. That’s the kind of team we need to be next season. Of course, I want to win titles. But this season’s goal was to improve our situation. We achieved that by securing safety well before the season ended.

We can’t stay where we are. Next season, we need to be consistent from the start and aim for more. We have to work hard in the coming months—get the right players, keep most of our squad, build a strong base, and create a strong team.

Two senior players, Nelson and Pablo Sarabia, are out of contract. Can you update supporters on their status?

Nelson knows we want him to stay. I also like Sarabia—his personality and quality. He’s a team player. We’ll do our best, but I don’t have answers yet. We need to respect the timing of both the players and the club.

You faced Oliver Glasner a few times in Europe when managing Fenerbahce. What do you remember about those games and him as a manager?

We played against Frankfurt—tough but good games. The matches were close: 1-1, 2-2. We missed a penalty late and lost 2-1 in one game. Glasner is a very good manager—strategic and tactical.

After the last game, did you talk to your team about playing with more calmness and intelligence?

From the start, I felt something was missing—fire in the eyes. They needed to be more aggressive in duels. Tactically, we lost some pace. We started playing a fast transition style, which isn’t our game. That made the play unpredictable, and the opponents scored their second goal.

Your first game at Leicester was an away game where you connected with traveling fans. Do you have a message for them?

I want to thank them. Without their support, we couldn’t have turned around a tough season. Now we look to the future.

Can Wolves take inspiration from Crystal Palace, a mid-table team winning the FA Cup and playing in Europe next season?

Absolutely. They took the right steps. They have strong players, both physically and tactically. They earned their success.

There will be interesting battles on the field, like Mateta against Agbadou.

Maybe, if they both play.

Will Palace rest players after their cup celebrations?

Maybe, but I don’t know. That’s out of my control. I might change some players too.

Since joining Wolves, has the time gone fast? Have you had a chance to soak it all in? I imagine you didn’t expect to be nominated for Manager of the Year.

No, never. But it feels good when people recognise the work. It’s not just me—it’s the club, the players, the staff, the supporters. This is teamwork, and I’m proud.

Have you enjoyed the experience? Are you dreading the season ending or looking forward to a break?

I need a break. It’s been tough work here and before in Saudi Arabia. Now it’s time to rest, but not fully. I’ll be on the phone, in meetings, helping the club plan the best transfer market we can and set expectations. We can’t build expectations without the right tools. We need those tools to raise our level.