Vitor Pereira Achieves Long-Held Premier League Ambition with Wolves Appointment

Wolves’ new manager, Vitor Pereira, has stated that he pursued his ambition of coaching in the Premier League for 14 years, having previously come close to securing the Everton position on multiple occasions. The Portuguese tactician signed an 18-month contract at Molineux on Thursday. Pereira nearly joined Everton on three separate occasions, but he realized his objective of managing in the Premier League this week by taking over from Gary O’Neil at Wolves. This marks his 10th club in the last 11 years. Reflecting on his past attempts, Pereira, who recently departed Saudi club Al-Shabab, stated: “Three times with the same club,” adding, “Everton 14 years ago before I went to Brazil, then I had another three or four meetings [in 2013]. Two or three years ago, I had two or three meetings – it means it was a lot of meetings with Everton!” He further elaborated on his long-standing ambition, saying: “The last 14 years of my career, my focus was to come to England. To compete with the best coaches, this is the seat I want to be in. I want to be in this league to compete, challenge myself and I’m ready.” Pereira also recalled: “I remember the first step outside the country [Portugal] was to Saudi Arabia [Al-Ahli] 14 years ago. When I left Porto, my target was a club in England.” Pereira assumes leadership of a Wolves team currently positioned second from the bottom of the league table, trailing 17th-placed Leicester by five points. The two teams are scheduled to play each other at King Power Stadium on Sunday at 14:00 GMT. He affirmed that he never abandoned his aspiration to manage in the Premier League. “No, I’m a confident guy, I believe in my work and my staff,” he stated. “From a young age one day I decided in my mind I’d be a coach. Afterwards, I put in my mind I would be a champion in Portugal and I was [with Porto]. “Then I wanted to be a champion in another country and the team [Olympiakos] was a champion. One day my target was England. It means when you think a lot, even if you must work, and work, and work and you must go to Brazil, to Turkey and Arabia in the end you will be there.” This season, Wolves have suffered 11 losses in 16 matches and have allowed 40 goals, which is the highest tally in the league. Despite this, Pereira indicated he would not hastily engage in transfer activities during the January window. He commented: “The club is open to doing it but in this moment it’s important to understand the players on the pitch. “It’s important I have one week to understand what I can do with the players, to study their personality and what we need. After this we’ll decide.” Nevertheless, the 56-year-old manager expressed his desire to quickly mold his squad and intends to lead them using his distinct methodologies. Pereira further remarked: “It’s a responsibility but a good one. In my opinion it’s to give confidence to them, to guide them, like a tactical GPS, to point them in the same direction.” He concluded by stating: “It’s very important to connect the tactical quality, technical quality because I like my teams to play good football but with tactical organisation and courage to play our game.” Wolves anticipate that Matheus Cunha will be available for Sunday’s match, despite being charged with misconduct by the Football Association. A final ruling on the charge is not expected until the following week.