Despite a poor start to the season, Wolves are reportedly close to offering manager Vitor Pereira a new contract, signaling the club’s confidence in his long-term vision and ability to turn things around after replacing Gary O’Neil. The team currently sits at the bottom of the Premier League.
Despite a rocky start to the season that has seen Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table, manager Vitor Pereira is reportedly on the cusp of signing a new deal with the club. This development signals a strong vote of confidence from the Wolves' hierarchy in the Portuguese manager, who took over the reins at Molineux last December.
Pereira's current contract is set to expire at the end of the season, but sources indicate that an agreement is likely to be reached before the weekend. This move is designed to quell any uncertainty surrounding the managerial position and provide Pereira with the stability he needs to implement his long-term vision for the club. The decision to extend Pereira's contract, despite the team's poor results, underscores the faith the club has in his ability to turn things around. When he replaced Gary O'Neil in December, Wolves were in a precarious position, battling relegation.
Wolves' current predicament is certainly cause for concern. They have suffered defeats in their opening four league games, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the table. Their only respite came in the EFL Cup, where they managed to secure a victory against West Ham United in August. However, their league form has been nothing short of disastrous, and they are in danger of becoming only the sixth team in Premier League history to lose their first five games of a season.
Despite the current struggles, it is important to remember that Pereira inherited a team that was struggling for form and confidence. Last season, he successfully steered the team away from the relegation zone, guiding them to a 16th-place finish, a comfortable 17 points above the drop. A run of six consecutive Premier League wins between March and April secured their survival, but they have since struggled to replicate that form. Their last victory in the top flight came at the end of that impressive run, a 3-0 triumph over Leicester City.
Executive chairman Jeff Shi has publicly voiced his support for Pereira, emphasizing the need for stability at the club. "Wolves need stability now - we need a coach to stay here and help us for a long time," Shi said earlier this month. "Every coach needs time and the jigsaw to be made. We should give the coach enough time and the players he needs to prepare for the season.
Shi also highlighted the importance of team chemistry and unity, stating, "I feel the more important thing to define this season is the squad and the coach, the chemistry and the unity. If you have that foundation, you will have a strong season. If you don't, maybe you have a doubt." He further added that Pereira has already made significant improvements in this area, saying, "Before Vitor came the team chemistry had some problems. This year that issue is gone. We have a strong team spirit and a very committed team structure."
While the decision to offer Pereira a new contract may raise eyebrows among some fans, the club's hierarchy clearly believes that he is the right man to lead Wolves forward. They are willing to overlook the current struggles and focus on the long-term benefits of having a stable and committed manager at the helm. Wolves face Leeds United in a crucial Premier League clash on Saturday, a game that could potentially kickstart their season and justify the club's faith in Pereira. The match will be a stern test of Pereira's ability to rally his troops and turn their fortunes around.
The potential contract extension for Pereira also highlights the challenges faced by managers in modern football. The pressure to deliver immediate results is immense, and managers are often judged on short-term outcomes rather than long-term potential. In this context, Wolves' decision to stick with Pereira, despite their poor start, is a refreshing change of pace.
Only time will tell if Pereira can justify the club's faith in him. But one thing is certain: he will be given the opportunity to turn things around and build a successful future for Wolves. The new contract will provide him with the security and stability he needs to implement his plans and guide the club back to its former glory. For now, Wolves fans can only hope that this decision will prove to be a masterstroke and not a costly mistake.