Wolves deserve huge credit for appointing Vitor Pereira as manager, as he’s turned their campaign around.
Gary O’Neil was sacked by Wolves after winning just two of his opening 16 league games in 2024/25, resulting in fears of relegation.
Wolves’ 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town was the final nail in the coffin for O’Neil, who was replaced by the relatively unknown Vitor Pereira.
Without ever managing in the Premier League, the Portuguese tactician instantly transformed their fortunes, instilling confidence into the players and improving results on the pitch.
The Old Gold have climbed up to 14th since the 56-year-old took charge at Molineux, telling of his impact in the last six months, while explaining why Pereira was nominated for Manager of the Season.
Photo by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC/Wolves via Getty Images
Photo by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC/Wolves via Getty Images
Carl Ikeme on the ‘difference’ Vitor Pereira has made at Wolves
Wolves now have a recognised style under their boss, showing that during their six-match winning streak before Manchester City ended it.
The Wanderers are now capable of mixing it with some of the biggest clubs, and former goalkeeper Carl Ikeme puts that down to Pereira instilling ‘confidence’ back into the team, while bringing a ‘calmness to the ship’ that wasn’t present under O’Neil.
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“Since Vitor has come in you can see the difference he has made. He’s instilled a lot of confidence back in the team and a lot of stability and discipline as well,” Ikeme said via Wolves official.
“He’s brought a steady, sort of calmness to the ship, because I felt like at the start of the season, there were moments in the games where we looked like a good team, and you could tell that it wasn’t that we had bad players, but it just wasn’t going right, unfortunately, which can happen in football. But I think Vitor has brought a lot of confidence.”
Jorgen Strand Larsen’s form has been key to Wolves’ rise
In the 2024 summer transfer window, O’Neil was crying out for a centre-forward. Luckily, Wolves were able to capture Jorgen Strand Larsen on loan from Celta Vigo.
The 25-year-old settled into the Premier League relatively well with seven goals in his first 26 appearances but it’s during the last few months where his goalscoring powers have truly exploded.
Jorgen Strand Larsen’s form since March 15
7 matches played
6 goals scored
522 minutes played
Before his brace against Southampton on March 15, the Norwegian went seven games without scoring a single goal and lacked confidence.
But since then, barring an injury he picked up, Strand Larsen has been superb, becoming the focal point that has helped drag Wolves away from danger.