Vitor Pereira’s tenure at Wolves was marred by a string of poor decision-making towards the end, and that played a key role in the struggles the Old Gold faced.
The Portuguese head coach made some strange starting XI decisions, and perhaps the worst was Andre and Joao Gomes both being benched in his final match in charge.
If anything, Pereira put his own writing on the wall this season, even if there can be some blame put towards those higher up in the club.
Wolves’ search for his replacement is ongoing, with several names being touted.
Erik ten Hag is a name tipped; however, the Dutchman may have more cons than pros for Wolves.
However, Rob Edwards has now emerged as the leading candidate, but no matter who comes in and takes the job, there is one clear issue they must address.
Next Wolves manager must make clear decision on leadership
Vitor Pereira’s leadership group has not been quite as solid as you would want to expect this season.
Before the season started, Toti Gomes was named Wolves’ captain, and Matt Doherty, Jose Sa, and Joao Gomes were selected to form the leadership group.
However, Wolves have struggled to have a consistent on-field leader this season, with five different players wearing the armband already, and that is an area of concern.
When the next manager comes in, they must decide who they want to lead out the team regularly rather than chopping and changing.
Toti Gomes was handed the captaincy by Pereira but has played less than 50% of available Premier League minutes so far this season.
| Total minutes available | 900 |
| Minutes played | 437 |
| Percentage | 48.5% |
Gomes can still be an excellent captain, but if the Portuguese is not a regular feature for the new manager, then there is a decision that must be made.
The squad need consistency, and they need a voice they respect and can look to. It is much harder to be that person when there is a new captain every couple of weeks.
- READ MORE: Why Jeff Shi personally wants Rob Edwards as Wolves negotiations expected to move forward
The best leadership candidates for Wolves
If Toti Gomes emerges as one of the next manager’s consistent starters, then the issue is less of a concern.
There is a reason he was given that honour in the first place, and taking it off him would be harsh in any instance.
However, if he drops down the pecking order, then a definitive vice-captain must be chosen, rather than having just a ‘leadership group’.
Matt Doherty and Joao Gomes would be frontrunners in this case, having had experience leading the team out this season and last campaign.
With the Brazilian more likely to start, it makes sense for him to be bestowed that title.
Having someone like the midfielder, who should be starting every week due to his quality, captaining the side on a consistent basis gives them the stability Wolves need.
Joao Gomes was also one of the fans’ picks during the summer, before the official announcement was made.