Vitor Pereira sends crystal clear message to his Wolves players as tough 25/26 season lies ahead

Wolves need to turn this bad start around, and manager Vitor Pereira isn’t afraid to make tough decisions to work towards that aim.

The international break is almost over, and focus again turns to the Premier League.

It hasn’t been an easy season for Wolves, who are yet to pick up a point in three games so far.

Vitor Pereira has a number of new faces looking to break into the starting XI, and he has shared his plans regarding player selection as the season gets into full swing.

Vitor Pereira says he will keep making changes to the Wolves starting XI

Pereira recognises the value of competition for places in a team, and has shown a willingness to try new combinations and rotate players in and out of the side.

As E&S reports, Pereira expands on this idea, saying: “I like competition and to make them feel that they are part of the team.

“If they are in the first XI or if they come from the bench, I say to these players that I know I will need them during the game and they will be mentally prepared for this.”

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As for what this means for the starting line-up he fields, he is clear in his thoughts, continuing: “It means I will not select the same player or the same team every time.”

Rotation is a valuable asset for any side, but there is also a need to find rhythm and chemistry, which can be made difficult by constant change. It’s a delicate balance to strike.

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Probably the most volatile positions in the side are at wing-back.

On the right side, Ki-Jana Hoever was favoured early in the season before an injury sidelined him. Now, new arrival Jackson Tchatchoua may be preferred.

On the opposite flank, it has been a hotly contested battle between Hugo Bueno and David Moller Wolfe, each of whom offers something different.

But Rodrigo Gomes poses a question to Pereira, in red-hot form and capable of playing on either wing.

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Pereira likes what he sees so far, explaining: “Rodrigo can play on the right and left side, and you know the energy he can bring for us.

“This is a player that I like a lot. I like his mentality, his energy, his personality and what he brings to us when he has a chance to play. This is the profile that I like.”

This weekend’s meeting with Newcastle should see everyone back in contention, so the squad fielded at St James’ Park will tell us a lot about who is currently in favour.

But as Pereira says, he has no problem switching things up as the season goes on.