Wolves were last night beaten by Crystal Palace, and the season is threatening to end with a whimper.
After recently going on a six-game winning streak in the Premier League, Wolves have now lost their last three matches – and the performance against Palace was potentially the worst under Vitor Pereira so far.
Despite scoring two goals, Wolves barely threatened in the contest and then struggled to deal with Palace’s counter attacking and incisiveness.
Prior to the game, Pereira spoke about Wolves copying Palace going into next season, and last night’s game did just emphasise that there is a bit of a gap between the two sides at the moment.
It was a somewhat concerning display at Selhurst Park, and Wolves need to respond in the final game against Brentford. Ultimately, there is still the incentive of winning and earning greater prize money.
After the game, Pereira spoke about the performance – and also sent a subtle message to his superiors regarding the upcoming transfer window.
Vitor Pereira hints he needs a big summer as Wolves easily beaten by Crystal Palace
Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images
Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images
Pereira was not happy with last night’s performance.
The Portuguese lamented the mistakes his side made in the contest, which ultimately gave them far too much to do.
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Pereira was frustrated by the mistakes his side made, and then sent out a message to Fosun regarding creating competition in his squad.
He said: (via E&S): “Of course we need players. We need to be stronger next season, competing for every game.
“Today, in the moment we are competing for the result, another mistake. I’m disappointed.
“What I learned is that with this level of focus we cannot compete with these kind of teams.
“It means next season we must be better, we must compete inside.
“If you don’t concede inside then you have problems, you must compete inside the club every day in training.
“You must have competition for your position.”
Fosun have been warned
The performance against Palace was disappointing, but it’s one we have seen around this time of the season for the last few campaigns from Wolves.
But Pereira’s response to it was bullish, and fans will appreciate that.
We have now heard him speak a few times about the need for a big summer, and he has put the pressure on Fosun to deliver for him.
Fosun – who adopt a self-sustaining model at Wolves – have surely seen what a great job he’s done overall and there’s a strong argument that by backing Pereira properly, Wolves can compete for European football again.
That said, some Wolves fans have expressed their concern about the upcoming summer.
After Gary O’Neil, Julen Lopetegui and Bruno Lage all complained about a lack of resources, hopefully Fosun will not make the same mistake with Pereira this summer.