Jean Ricner-Bellegarde was one of several players to enjoy an upturn in form after Vitor Pereira was appointed as Wolves’ new head coach.
Being deployed by Gary O’Neil out wide at the start of the 2024/25 campaign, Bellegarde was moved more central and further forward in Pereira’s system.
With the double midfield pivot of Joao Gomes and Andre behind, it led to an immediate improvement in results as Wolves climbed away from the Premier League drop zone.
Now, Bellegarde has spoken out about what else Pereira improved following Gary O’Neil’s sacking, pointing to one trait in particular.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde dribbles with the ball for Wolves in their Premier League match against Southampton.
Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde says Wolves’ mentality improved under Vitor Pereira
Speaking to Wolves’ official website, Bellegarde was asked to give his thoughts after completing his second season at Molineux.
In response, the midfielder said: “I’m happy because I played a lot, but last season was very difficult because we didn’t win a lot of the first games, but the end of the season was good for the team and our mentality is better.”
A lot certainly improved after the managerial change, with Pereira setting several new records at Wolves as part of the six-game winning run the club went on towards the back-end of last season.
2024/25 stat Gary O’Neil Vitor Pereira
Matches managed 16 22
Wins 2 10
Draws 3 3
Losses 11 9
Points gained 9 33
Win percentage 13% 45%
Gary O’Neil’s and Vitor Pereira’s stats at Wolves during the 2024/25 Premier League season
Speaking about Pereira in more detail, Bellegarde added: “Vitor has helped me a lot and has given me more opportunities, but with the team, when we saw Vitor was coming to the club, it felt like every player can have a chance [to] play, but you need to keep this and try to play.”
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The Frenchman then summed up what most Wolves fans think about the current Wolves manager, concluding: “But [Pereira] has been very good for the team.”
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde endears himself to the Wolves faithful as he places the team above himself
In the same interview, Bellegarde was also asked about his willingness to play in multiple different positions.
The versatile Frenchman’s response will only endear himself to fans of the Old Gold, responding: “For me, I need to play, but if the coach tells me he needs me to play this position, then that’s what I’ll do, and that’s what I have been doing.
“I just need to help the team, and for me, when the team is playing very well and can win games, then I’m happy.”
Following the high-profile departures of Rayan Ait-Nouri and especially Matheus Cunha, Bellegarde is likely to be even more important next season, having to contribute more to make up for the Brazilian’s numbers.
Wolves fans should also be excited to see the partnership he strikes with new signing Fer Lopez, the Spaniard likely to be deployed by Pereira in one of the two positions behind the striker when afforded the chance to play.