Charlie Austin has given his take on Vitor Pereira’s clash with fans following defeat to Burnley, and the former Clarets striker has been left unsure on the implications.
On one hand, many could see the confrontation as a sign that Vitor Pereira cares deeply about the club; on the other, you could argue it has strained the relationship with fans.
The Wolves head coach’s job is on the line, but Pereira is safe for the immediate future and will likely be in charge for Wednesday night’s game against Chelsea.
It remains to be seen the reception he will receive after his row with supporters in the North Bank saw fans chant for him to be sacked.
Charlie Austin on Vitor Pereira’s confrontation with Wolves supporters
Charlie Austin has chimed in on the talk surrounding Vitor Pereira after he controversially clashed with supporters at Molineux.
A late winner by Burnley drastically increased tensions, and the head coach was left frustrated and disappointed that fans had turned on him.
Jorgen Strand Larsen apologised for the result, and later on a video emerged of Jose Sa confronting fans outside the stadium.
However, the actions of Pereira were one of the biggest talking points.
Speaking on what he thought about the clash, Charlie Austin said on Sky Sports Fan Club, “That is just pressure boiling. Coming to a boiling point. What are they saying – that he’s showing he cares?
“He cares because he’s got into a confrontation with fans? They are obviously saying something he does not agree with, so he is fighting back.
“Do you want to see that from your manager? I am not sure. I have been in the situation in a confrontation with fans; it is the heat of the moment stuff, but ultimately they are players, and he’s the manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers, a Premier League club.”
The relationship between fans and Vitor Pereira has changed dramatically
Support for Pereira is waning, and it would be harder to find someone who is still behind him than it would for those wanting him sacked.
It is a drastic shift from the end of last season when fans were fully behind the Portuguese head coach after he brought them out of relegation to comfortably survive.
- READ MORE: Jorgen Strand Larsen insists two Wolves players actually did ‘really, really well’ in Burnley defeat
Right now, it seems a matter of when, not if, Pereira is sacked, and after the ugly scenes at Molineux, the relationship with fans is fractured.
A loss to Fulham on Saturday could be the final chance for him to save his job, but with Fosun, you would not be surprised if they gave him longer.