It’s been exactly a month since Wolves sacked Gary O’Neil and there’s been a huge transformation at Molineux.
O’Neil was dismissed by Wolves after his side collected just two Premier League wins in 16 matches, with a 2-1 loss against Ipswich Town the final nail in the coffin.
The 41-year-old could have had no complaints over his sacking, as it felt a long time coming, but the man who replaced him, Vitor Pereira, has instantly won over the Wanderers supporters.
Wolves have collected seven points from a possible 12 in the Premier League, only tasting defeat at home to Nottingham Forest, while securing their passage into the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
It’s been an enjoyable period for the supporters after several months of anger, and one Wolves star has now opened up about Pereira’s impact.
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Jose Sa reveals what Vitor Pereira has done to transform Wolves
During Pereira’s honeymoon period as manager, many players have benefitted from his methods, including goalkeeper Jose Sa.
The Wolves manager has displayed belief in the shot-stopper since minute one, starting him in his first four Premier League games in charge.
Before the 56-year-old’s appointment at Molineux, though, O’Neil caused a difficult situation by signing Sam Johnstone from Crystal Palace, often starting him over Sa as Wolves number one.
O’Neil faced criticism over his treatment of Sa but now there’s a new confidence radiating from the 31-year-old, who has revealed the three key things Pereira has done to transform his side.
“It’s very good because he’s brought new ideas, new mentality, new passion. I think the players are very happy with him, and the way that he plays. All of us are trying to do our best to show our value,” Sa explained to Wolves’ official website.
“All of them [the past managers] are good, and all of them, when they were here, did a great job. They worked very well, and, in my opinion, Vitor Pereira will do the same. He will do a very good job here and we will achieve our aims.
“We are playing more with the feet and more positional. That’s what we’re working on more. The way that we play, our passion in the game now, we believe in everything now, so it’s a lot of difference.”
Jose Sa’s statistics under Vitor Pereira
Realistically, O’Neil created an absolute mess with his treatment of Sa, and the Portuguese gloveman has fortunately bounced back from his hardships.
The Wolves number one has done so by delivering some solid performances in goal, registering two clean sheets in wins over Leicester City and Manchester United.
| 2024/25 Premier League stats | Under Gary O’Neil | Under Vitor Pereira |
| Starts | 9 | 4 |
| Bench | 4 | 0 |
| Goals conceded | 23 | 5 |
| Clean sheets | 1 | 2 |
As demonstrated by the above table, Sa’s performances under Pereira have improved drastically and long may it continue.