Vítor Pereira Takes Responsibility After Wolves’ 3-1 Defeat to Leeds

Wolves’ head coach Vítor Pereira admitted that his side’s mistakes are costing them dearly after watching Leeds United come from behind to win 3-1 at Molineux. Despite taking an early lead, Wolves conceded three goals before half-time, extending their winless start to the Premier League season to five matches.

Supporters voiced their frustrations at both half-time and full-time, and while Pereira said he fully understood their anger, he insisted the responsibility for the errors lies with him.

“It was a very good week of work together,” Pereira explained. “We scored a goal, but after the goal, we didn’t keep the pressure, especially in the defenders, and they started to control the pace. They scored from open play and then a free-kick. After that, there were mistakes. But the mistakes are on me because every time when a player tries to do something, it’s my work. I assume this responsibility.”

Wolves began brightly, scoring early and pressing Leeds high, but the momentum quickly shifted. Three defensive lapses allowed Leeds to overturn the deficit in ruthless fashion, punishing Pereira’s men in clinical fashion.

The Portuguese coach admitted his side “tried to play in the middle” and lost the ball cheaply, leading to Leeds’ third goal. “In the second half we were different. We took risks, pressed higher, switched the play and created some chances, but we didn’t score. At least we didn’t concede counter-attacks like in the first half.”

The Molineux crowd made their feelings clear as Wolves trudged off, but Pereira urged patience and solidarity.

“I understand their feelings,” he said. “I am frustrated because I want to see them smiling in the end of a game and celebrating with the team, and for sure, we’ll do it again. I know we can change everything with a good result, to give us confidence so we have the tranquillity to play at our level.”

For the 56-year-old coach, this run of five straight defeats is unprecedented. “It’s the first time in my career one of my teams has lost five games in a row – I don’t remember something like this. But I’m resilient. I know that we can turn this situation around with a win.”

He added that his focus is on mental balance: “At the moment, every time we commit a mistake, they score. But this league is like this. What I believe is to work hard every day, improve, increase our level, and not commit mistakes. Especially at home, we need to be more aggressive in our pressure and start scoring goals.”

FootballPlace analyst John William believes Wolves are stuck in a vicious cycle:

“Confidence is fragile, and when a team is punished for every mistake, it becomes psychological as well as tactical. Pereira is right to protect his players and take responsibility, but the reality is Wolves need a result — any result — to break this downward spiral. A sixth straight defeat would turn pressure into a full-blown crisis.”

Wolves face a crucial week as they attempt to end their winless run. Pereira will hope to instil the aggression and composure he saw glimpses of in the second half against Leeds.

With the Premier League season still in its early stages, one victory could transform the mood at Molineux — but the margin for error is already narrowing.

👉 Do you believe Vítor Pereira can turn Wolves’ season around, or is this the start of a deeper crisis?