Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa has found sanctuary under Vitor Pereira after a difficult start to the season.
Signed from Olympiacos in 2021, Sa was recruited to be Wolves’ heir to Rui Patricio and for the most part, he’s been a set of safe hands between the sticks.
The Portugal international has had his ups and downs at Molineux, with the 2024/25 campaign presenting a wave of challenges for the goalkeeper.
It was only in December that Sa clashed with Wolves fans in the South Bank, a squabble that has since become a distant memory.
Jose Sa opens up about Gary O’Neil transfer decision
Sure, Sa still has a lot to prove to Wolves fans after his trialling start to the campaign however, there’s been a clear improvement since Vitor Pereira’s arrival.
A lot of it could have to do with trust, as from day one, Pereira has displayed great belief in the shot-stopper, who has started every Premier League game since the new Wolves manager arrived.
Prior to Pereira’s reign, there was a difficult situation caused by Gary O’Neil, who signed Sam Johnstone in the summer and replaced Sa at times as Wolves’ number one.
O’Neil was criticised for his treatment of Sa, which is a saga the Portuguese has now opened up about.
“This season has been difficult, with what happened with me. I continued working and believing, and after I came back to the team, and I’m trying to do my best to help them,” Sa explained to Wolves’ official website.
The 31-year-old went on to express the importance of proving himself in the Wolves squad, following his scare earlier this season at the hands of O’Neil.
“It was a difficult situation to handle. We have to be strong, and we have to work, and show our potential. Just work and after it’s not in our hands, it’s not us who decides who plays. We have to do our best.”
Considering that Sa almost left Wolves in the summer, the Old Gold are fortunate to still have the ‘keeper around, with Pereira now reaping the benefits.
Gary O’Neil caused an ‘absolute mess’ with Jose Sa
Pereira has publicly praised Sa for his performances since his arrival, boosting the player’s confidence after a turbulent few months.
While Sa has managed to move on, thoughts on O’Neil’s decision remain, in what was a close call regarding how close the ‘keeper was to leaving Molineux.
| Under Gary O’Neil | Under Vitor Pereira | |
| Starts | 9 | 4 |
| Bench | 4 | 0 |
| Goals conceded | 24 | 5 |
At the time of the saga between the two goalkeepers, journalist Nathan Judah expressed his concern at what the former Wolves boss had caused, calling it an ‘absolute mess’.
Many will agree that O’Neil created an ‘absolute mess’ with his treatment of Sa, who, fortunately, has found his confidence again thanks to Pereira.