Sunderland assistant manager Pedro Ribeiro is thrilled with the work done by Vítor Pereira at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Friday’s edition of O Jogo has published an interview with the 39-year-old and a section of it is dedicated to the Wolves manager.
Ribeiro joined Régis Le Bris’ backroom staff last October. Earlier today, he explained the roles the Sunderland manager and sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, played in his arrival at the Stadium of Light.
He was manager at B SAD, Penafiel, Académico Viseu and Leixões before joining the Black Cats. Prior to that, he worked as the current Wolves manager’s assistant at FC Porto, Al-Hilal [scout], Olympiacos, Fenerbahçe and 1860 Munich between 2011 and 2017.
Wolves appointed Pereira as Gary O’Neil’s permanent successor in December. He took over when the Premier League club were in the relegation battle and helped them finish in the 16th spot.
The Sunderland assistant manager has discussed the impact Pereira has had on his coaching career, and calls him a “brother for life”.
“He was one of the most important people in my career and a brother I will always have. We keep in regular contact, and I support him, just as he supports me,” he said.
“It will be fun to play against him and, of course, in this situation we won’t be rooting for each other. He is a top-notch coach and has had a fantastic journey at Wolverhampton. He deserves all the attention he is getting in the English championship.”
Sunderland have secured promotion to the Premier League, meaning Ribeiro and Pereira will come up against each other when the Black Cats face Wolves next season.