Wolves fans were stunned last week when Vitor Pereira signed a new deal despite the club’s winless start to the 2025/26 Premier League season. After five games, the Old Gold sit rock bottom with zero points, sparking frustration and concern around Molineux. Yet the board has chosen to back their head coach, a decision that has divided opinion.
On TalkSPORT, pundit Ally McCoist suggested that while doubts remain about Pereira’s performances, there is one undeniable truth: the Portuguese manager has been badly handicapped by Wolves’ summer exodus.
Ally McCoist on Wolves’ struggles
McCoist admitted he was surprised by the timing of the new contract but recognised the difficulties Pereira has faced.
“But one thing we can’t argue is that he has been stripped of some talent in his team and he hasn’t been allowed to replace them.” — Ally McCoist, TalkSPORT
That “talent” refers to three high-profile departures: Matheus Cunha’s big-money move to Manchester United, Rayan Aït-Nouri’s transfer to Manchester City, and Nelson Semedo’s free-agent exit. All three were key pillars of Wolves’ setup last season.
Wolves’ recruitment gamble
In response, Wolves signed six new players and made Jørgen Strand Larsen’s loan permanent. However, the lack of Premier League experience in their incoming recruits has been telling.
- Jhon Arias and David Møller Wolfe are yet to make a meaningful impact.
- Jackson Tchatchoua has slipped out of the XI due to strong competition from Hugo Bueno and Rodrigo Gomes.
- Tolu Arokodare continues to adapt, still searching for form.
- The exception has been Ladislav Krejci, who has slotted in seamlessly after joining from Girona and already looks like one of the team’s few bright sparks.
The adaptation period has left Wolves vulnerable in matches, with the side struggling for cohesion and confidence. Supporters are desperate for signs that the new recruits can deliver at Premier League intensity.
Pereira’s challenge
Pereira demonstrated last season that with quality in his squad, Wolves can play effective, organised football. But with confidence low and the fanbase restless, he must now coax form from raw signings in a league that rarely grants patience.
| Wolves (2025/26) | Stat |
|---|---|
| Premier League position | 20th |
| Games played | 5 |
| Points | 0 |
| Goals conceded | 13 |
source: Premier League table – 22 September 2025
These numbers highlight the size of the task facing Pereira. Despite signs of individual promise, Wolves remain porous defensively and blunt in attack.
Analyst verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes the board’s decision to back Pereira is rooted in pragmatism. “Sacking him after five games would have been too reactionary. He hasn’t had the chance to mould the squad with Premier League-ready reinforcements. The next 10 games are critical. If Wolves remain bottom come Christmas, patience will inevitably wear thin.”
Key insights
- Ally McCoist says Pereira has been “stripped” of top players without proper replacements.
- Wolves sold Cunha, Aït-Nouri and lost Semedo on a free this summer.
- Six new signings arrived but none had prior Premier League experience.
- Krejci has been a standout, but others like Arias and Wolfe are struggling.
- Wolves are bottom of the table with zero points after five games.
What’s next for Wolves?
The fixture list offers little respite: a Carabao Cup tie against Everton is followed by a daunting Premier League clash with Tottenham. Results in these games could determine whether Wolves can build momentum or sink deeper into crisis.
For Pereira, survival now depends on accelerating the adaptation of his summer signings and finding a formula that restores belief at Molineux. The board has placed its faith in him — but Wolves fans will demand swift evidence that the decision was justified.
👉 Do you think Wolves were right to hand Vitor Pereira a new deal, or should the board have waited until results improved?
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