New Wolves boss Pereira says he will guide Premier League strugglers to safety like ‘tactical GPS’

New Wolves boss Vitor Pereira is confident he can guide the Premier League strugglers to safety.

The Portuguese manager was named as Gary O’Neil’s successor on Thursday, with the Midlands club currently five points from safety in 19th place.

Pereira joins Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab on an 18-month deal, with Wolves reportedly paying £825,000 in compensation.

His first game in charge is against Leicester on Sunday and the 56-year-old is relishing the chance to preserve Wolves’ Premier League status.

“Of course it is a responsibility but a good responsibility.

“Now it’s time to give them confidence, I guide them like a tactical GPS. To put them in the same direction, to unite them and to face with confidence, to play with courage.

“I studied before accepting the job. Of course we have to improve some aspects of the game. But we have good players, a player with confidence can do many things, can change everything.

“My idea is to create an identity, a tactical identity. The first training we started working for this identity, the way we play.”

Welcome to Wolves, Vitor 🤝

— Wolves (@Wolves) December 19, 2024

Premier League great draw

Pereira has his work cut out for him to guide Wolves to safety, with the club losing 11 of their 16 league games so far and each of their last four.

And the former Porto boss admitted that the opportunity to manage in the Premier League was a big draw.

On why he was attracted by the Molineux job, he added: “Because it’s the Premier League and in my opinion the Premier League is the best league in the world. Something that has been my goal for a long time.

“It means that I am in the right place with the best high level players, league and managers. I’m very happy to be here.”

Cunha to play with?

Pereira said he did not know if key forward Matheus Cunha would be available after he was charged by the FA last week for an altercation with a member of Ipswich staff.

Regarding whether he will appear, Pereira added: “I’m not sure because I haven’t decided. He is an important player in our team. My first impression (of the squad) is that I am very happy.

“Of course every team can improve and we will try to improve. It is important to regain confidence and results.

“The results will bring confidence and give them motivation and clear ideas.”

Wolves January plans

Pereira did not rule out Wolves being active in the January transfer window but said that he would first need time to evaluate the squad.

He said: “I think the club is open to doing this but at this moment it is important with new ideas to understand the response of the players on the field.

“It is important that I have at least a week to understand what I can do with our players, to study the personality and what we need. After that we will decide.”

Nelson’s captain

Pereira was asked if Nelson Semedo will remain Wolves’ skipper, with O’Neil handing the armband to the right-back after removing Mario Lemina’s captaincy.

He said: “Nelson is a very good boy, a good personality and now I’m trying to understand where the leadership is on the field.

“It is important on the pitch. For now I am studying. It’s not the time to decide, it’s time to study, to get information, After that we decide the master.”