An interview from Vitor Pereira’s first days as Wolves boss point to one thing that could make all the difference this season.
When Vitor Pereira joined back in December, Wolves were languishing in the relegation zone after a dismal start to the campaign under Gary O’ Neil.
The task put to the Portuguese manager was clear, to take them back to safety.
In one of his first media appearances, Pereira made a prediction as to what could turn things around, and he was bang on.
Vitor Pereira said a player with confidence could be key to Wolves’ survival chances
When asked about the impending relegation scrap before Christmas, Pereira suggested an individual could be key to Wolves’ chances of survival.
He explained: “We need to improve but we have good players. You know, a player with confidence can do a lot of things, can change everything.”
He would be proven right, as Matheus Cunha emerged as a star and helped lift Wolves out of their poor form. The Brazilian, who left for Old Trafford this summer, single-handedly carried the side to a number of positive results.
But now that he has departed, Pereira will again be looking for a player to grow in confidence and take the talisman role.
One of the new signings could step up for Wolves after Matheus Cunha
Cunha was expected to leave this summer, and so you have to imagine the recruitment done in this window has been with that specific vacancy in mind.
The two attacking arrivals, Fer Lopez and Jhon Arias, can both create as well as score, and both have looked promising in their first Wolves appearances.
Lopez has impressed Pereira already. The boss praised his new forward for having the magic Wolves need., and Lopez himself has lofty ambitions for his debut season.
Jhon Arias has already shown his class in pre-season, and he’s another player who could have a Cunha-esque impact for Wolves. He has the chance-creation side to his game like his Brazilian predecessor, and at 27, he should be ready to take the reins of the attack.
Cunha was possibly the most talented player we’ve seen in a Wolves shirt since their return to the Premier League seven years ago. Replacing his output will be extremely difficult, but as Pereira points out, a breakout from one of his players could make all the difference for Wolves this season.