Wolves in Talks with Vitor Pereira to Replace Gary O’Neil as Head Coach
Wolverhampton Wanderers, struggling in the Premier League this season, have begun talks with Vitor Pereira to become their new head coach following the sacking of Gary O’Neil. The club is eager to make a swift appointment after parting ways with O’Neil on Sunday, in the wake of a disappointing 2-1 loss to Ipswich that left the team second from bottom in the Premier League. Despite considering other options, including former West Ham and Manchester United boss David Moyes, sources at Wolves have confirmed that Pereira is the frontrunner for the job.
The Portuguese manager, who has been with Saudi Arabian club Al Shabab since February, is highly regarded for his experience in European football, having previously managed top clubs such as Porto and Olympiakos. Pereira’s track record includes winning two Primeira Liga titles with Porto and securing the Greek Super League with Olympiakos, making him an attractive candidate for Wolves as they aim to turn their season around.
The timing of O’Neil’s departure and the club’s desire for a quick appointment suggests that Pereira could be in charge as soon as this week. If negotiations go as planned, Pereira could take the helm in time for Wolves’ upcoming Premier League clash against Leicester City on Sunday.
O’Neil’s Dismissal: A Reflection of Wolves’ Struggles
Gary O’Neil’s dismissal came after a series of disappointing results, culminating in the defeat to Ipswich. With the loss, Wolves found themselves four points adrift of safety and in serious danger of relegation. O’Neil, who had replaced Julen Lopetegui just days before the start of the 2023-24 season, struggled to make an impact with the squad. Under his leadership, Wolves won only two of their 16 league matches and conceded a league-high 40 goals, a defensive vulnerability that proved costly.
Wolves’ poor form had been evident for much of the season. After losing seven and drawing one of their first eight league games, the club showed some signs of recovery with a four-match unbeaten run, including back-to-back victories over Southampton and Fulham. However, their defensive frailties reappeared, and they suffered heavy defeats to Bournemouth, Everton, West Ham, and Ipswich. Despite glimpses of improvement, O’Neil could not find the consistency needed to turn the team’s fortunes around.
One of the major issues under O’Neil’s tenure was the team’s inability to defend effectively, with Wolves regularly conceding two or more goals in matches. The defeat to Ipswich was a perfect example of their defensive shortcomings, with an own goal from Matt Doherty and a 93rd-minute header from Jack Taylor condemning Wolves to yet another loss. O’Neil, reflecting on the difficult period, mentioned that he had “never had such a struggle” coaching the players, and the team’s off-field issues only added to the mounting pressure.
The Case for Vitor Pereira
During his time at Porto, Pereira won back-to-back Primeira Liga titles in 2012 and 2013, establishing himself as one of Portugal’s top managers. He also led Olympiakos to the Greek Super League title in 2015. His ability to manage big clubs and compete at the top level is a key factor that makes Pereira an attractive option for Wolves. His tactical approach, discipline, and experience in dealing with high-pressure situations are qualities that could prove invaluable in helping Wolves navigate their difficult Premier League season.
Wolves are believed to be willing to pay the necessary compensation to secure Pereira’s services, indicating that finances are not an issue for the club in their pursuit of a new manager. Pereira’s appointment would bring fresh ideas and potentially a more structured approach to the team’s defense, which has been one of their weakest areas this season. With his experience in competitive European leagues and a strong tactical mindset, Pereira could be the manager Wolves need to get their season back on track.
O’Neil’s Tenure at Wolves: A Short-Lived Struggle
Gary O’Neil’s time at Wolves was brief but marked by frustration. Having taken over in August 2023, just days before the start of the new Premier League season, O’Neil inherited a squad that had finished 13th in the 2022-23 season under Julen Lopetegui. While the club had shown promise in certain areas, they began the 2023-24 season poorly, with a series of losses and draws that left them at the bottom of the league.
O’Neil’s appointment followed a period of uncertainty at the club, and his task was clear: stabilize Wolves and keep them in the Premier League. However, his struggles were evident from the start. The team’s defensive frailties were a recurring issue, and despite some encouraging performances, Wolves could not build the necessary momentum to move up the league table. The defeat to Ipswich was the final blow, and Wolves made the decision to part ways with O’Neil.
Off-field issues also added to the turmoil. Mario Lemina was stripped of the captaincy after an altercation with West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, and the club also dealt with disciplinary problems involving players like Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha. These issues, combined with poor results on the pitch, made O’Neil’s position untenable.
Wolves’ Search for a New Manager
In the aftermath of O’Neil’s departure, Wolves have been quick to search for a replacement. While they have considered other candidates, such as David Moyes, the club’s priority is to appoint a manager who can instill discipline, shore up the defense, and turn the team’s fortunes around. With a number of talented players in the squad, Wolves are hopeful that the right managerial appointment can propel them out of the relegation zone and into a more secure position in the Premier League.
As the club moves forward, the hope is that Vitor Pereira can bring the necessary experience and tactical knowledge to help Wolves overcome their current struggles. His experience with big clubs, coupled with his success in Europe, makes him a strong candidate for the job. If negotiations go as expected, Pereira could be in charge by the end of the week, with his first match in charge being the crucial away game against Leicester City on Sunday.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Wolves
With Gary O’Neil’s departure and Vitor Pereira emerging as the frontrunner to replace him, Wolves are at a crossroads. The club has struggled this season, but the appointment of Pereira could signal a new direction. If successful, the Portuguese manager could help Wolves recover from their poor start to the season and establish a more solid foundation going forward. The next few weeks will be critical for the club as they aim to avoid relegation and rebuild under new leadership.
