Wolverhampton, England - Following a tense Premier League match that ended in a 3-2 defeat to Burnley at Molineux, Wolves manager Vitor Pereira addressed the heated exchange he had with fans, expressing his understanding of their frustration. The exchange occurred directly after the final whistle, with Pereira and Jorgen Strand Larsen approaching the South Bank stand where disgruntled fans voiced their disappointment, some chanting "sacked in the morning" at the manager.
The game saw Burnley take an early lead with two goals from Zian Flemming before Wolves managed to equalize through Jorgen Strand Larsen's penalty and Marshall Munetsi's header. However, Lyle Foster's late goal in added time secured Burnley's first away win of the season, sparking the negative reaction from the home crowd.
Pereira acknowledged the fans' feelings, stating, "What I said is, we worked a lot and need to fight together". He emphasized the team's effort and the need for unity between the players and supporters during this challenging period. This isn't the first time Pereira's relationship with the Wolves faithful has been tested. Earlier in the season, some fans had already begun to turn on Pereira following a string of losses, prompting discussions about his team selections and substitutions. Despite this, Pereira has also enjoyed moments of strong connection with the fans, particularly during winning streaks where his leadership was credited with revitalizing the club.
The defeat against Sunderland also drew criticism, with Pereira himself admitting to a "technically poor" first half performance. He highlighted missed chances and the need for the team to develop maturity and experience to close out games effectively. He said that in the Premier League, you cannot lose these kinds of chances.
Pereira's approach to managing the team extends beyond the pitch. He has been seen engaging with fans in local pubs, aiming to disconnect from the pressures of football and recharge. He believes these interactions help him understand the supporters' sentiments and build a stronger connection with the community. He said that he feels that in Premier League we are respected and if they feel that we are doing our best we are fighting for them.
Looking ahead, Pereira remains focused on improving the team's performance and delivering results. While acknowledging the challenges and the need for new players, he expressed confidence in the team's ability to compete and fight. The coming weeks will be crucial for Pereira as he seeks to regain the fans' full support and guide Wolves towards a more stable position in the Premier League.
