Wolves recently announced their first January signing — defender Emmanuel Agbadou.
Vitor Pereira has wanted to make defensive signings following a mini-injury crisis to his backline, and the Wolves owners have backed their manager.
Wolves confirmed Agbadou has joined from Stade Reims on a four-and-a-half year deal, and more transfers are expected.
Wolves are also linked with Chelsea’s Renato Viega — a player who, if signed, could force Toti Gomes down the side’s pecking order.
Clearly determined to build from the back, Pereira knows the importance of having a solid defence, especially in England’s notoriously fast paced and high-quality Premier League.
Vitor Pereira sends Emmanuel Agbadou tactical warning
Welcoming Ivory Coast’s Agbadou to the club Pereira was captured showing his new signing around Molineux.
After praising the stadium’s ‘very good atmosphere’, the Wolves manager warned the African what to expect from England’s top-flight.
“You don’t have 30 seconds to stop, you understand?” Pereira said.
“You must be connected everytime. Everytime, connected. Because in a few seconds, they [opposition teams] can put in a long ball and they’ll score. If you sleep for five minutes, they will score two goals, you understand? — This is the kind of league that they have too much quality in attack that they can score very easily.
A fascinating insight into Pereira’s tactical philosophy and the early impression the Premier League has left on him, and perhaps proving why he wanted to sign a player with Agbadou’s technical attributes.
Agbadou set for Newcastle United test
Although Agbadou could make his debut against Bristol City in the FA Cup on Saturday, the African is expected to make his first appearance in the Premier League away to Newcastle United on Wednesday 15th January.
Should Pereira start the commanding 27-year-old against Eddie Howe’s Magpies next week, initial tests won’t come much harder.
The Geordies are in excellent form, and Agbadou, along with the returning Craig Dawson, will need to be at their best if they’re to stop Howe’s side from taking all three points.