A new era is close to getting underway at Molineux after Wolves appointed Portuguese boss Vitor Pereira.
Pereira is an exciting appointment from Wolves, with the 56-year-old managing various clubs, including Porto, Fenerbahce, and most recently, Saudi Arabian side Al Shabab.
While the Portuguese tactician arrives with no experience of managing in England, Pereira has come up against several Premier League managers, most notably Pep Guardiola and Nuno Espirito Santo.
Pereira describes managing in England as his dream, and Wolves supporters will be hoping for a dream finish to the season by surviving in the top flight.
The Wanderers are currently five points adrift of safety and travel to Leicester City this weekend in what is a must-win game.
Supporters will hope to see Pereira in the dugout on Sunday, where they’ll also get a taste of his style of play and formation.
Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
Vitor Pereira’s style of play and formation
For most of Gary O’Neil’s tenure, the Englishman deployed a three-man defence with wing-backs and two forwards.
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Luckily, the Wolves players won’t have to get used to playing in a completely new formation, as Pereira typically uses a 3-4-1-2 system or a 3-4-3, encouraging his wing-backs to push high.
Pereira, who has managed a whopping 12 clubs across his career, has had relative success at Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League, posting 16 wins in 30 games and a win percentage of just over 53%.
Interestingly, before moving to the Saudi club in February, Pereira commented on his style of play, revealing his love for high pressing and an emphasis on controlling the ball.
“The Shabab squad quickly embraced my style. They love to play an offensive game with possession and control of the ball, as well as high pressure when off it. We have increased our level since I joined,” he said.
“The team is developing well, and we are building for the future. I think we can do important things in this league.”
So, with the above taken into account, here’s how Pereira could line up his side at Wolves.
How Wolves could line up under Pereira
Potential line up under Vitor Pereira
Pereira has ironed out his transfer plans at Wolves and they’re going to be similar to O’Neil’s before he was given the boot.
Wolves want to sign a centre-back in January but until then, the Portuguese will have to make do with his current personnel.
Sam Johnstone started in goal towards the end of the O’Neil tenure, and the Englishman should remain between the sticks.
The back three speak for themselves with Craig Dawson partnering alongside Toti Gomes and Santi Bueno while Nelson Semedo and Rayan Ait-Nouri will continue as wing-backs.
Pereira has a tricky selection in midfield, although he will likely start Mario Lemina and Joao Gomes as a double pivot, leaving Tommy Doyle and Andre on the bench.
As for the forward line, he will either deploy an attacking midfielder behind two strikers or two wide forwards alongside a striker.
With the current personnel, the ‘excellent’ Goncalo Guedes could finally play regularly at Wolves, deploying him next to star man Matheus Cunha, who faces a ban, and the towering Jorgen Strand Larsen.
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