Hwang Hee-chan has undoubtedly had a difficult season at Wolves.
The South Korea international was superb in 2024/25, ending the campaign with 13 goals to his name having been on the team’s best players.
But it’s been a very different story this term, with Hwang scoring just twice so far.
Both of those goals have come since Vitor Pereira took charge, in back-to-back games against Leicester City and Tottenham.
But he’s failed to kick on since scoring against Spurs, and Hwang now finds himself in the spotlight once more for his form.
Pereira recently defended Hwang amid the criticism he’s been getting. And ahead of tonight’s game with Chelsea, Pereira has again talked Hwang up, sharing what he’s telling him in order for him to improve.
Vitor Pereira says Hwang is punishing himself right now at Wolves
Realistically, there’s a good chance Hwang won’t start tonight against Chelsea.
If Matheus Cunha is fit to play against Chelsea having been ill last week, then it’s difficult to see Hwang keeping his place, with Goncalo Guedes having been more effective on the right side.
While Hwang could well be dropped tonight, his manager is still fighting his corner.
Pereira said (via E&S): “He’s our player, in training he’s trying to do his best and he’s fighting with himself to have confidence to score.
“He’s punishing himself in training and in games – and it means he needs help. This is the time to support him
“I had a fantastic striker in my career and he stopped scoring for two months in training and in games.
“He tried and tried in training, he wanted to finish every day, and I said ‘stop, calm down, don’t think too much. Enjoy your game’.
Pereira then shared four things he’s currently telling £14 million (BBC Sport) man Hwang to help him: “This is what I’m saying to Hee-chan, enjoy your game, enjoy your qualities, enjoy your life and in the moment don’t think too much.”
Pereira’s stance over Hwang is admirable
Previously, a lot of the criticism for Hwang has been over social media, but it’s started to seep into real life now.
Earlier in the season at Brentford, the decision to replace Andre with Hwang was booed by some. And against Bristol City in the FA Cup, some fans sarcastically cheered as he was replaced in the second-half.
But it’s nice to see Pereira staunchly defending Hwang, who is clearly struggling with his confidence at the moment.
| Hwang Hee-chan for Wolves in 2024/25 |
| Appearances – 18 |
| Minutes played – 717 |
| Goals – 2 |
| Assists – 0 |
He has always been a player who’s needed an arm around the shoulder during the tough times and Pereira looks more than happy to provide that.
But while it’s important Hwang gets the right support, he does need to be showing more. Even if it’s just working his socks off and putting himself about for the team, the crowd will appreciate that.