Vitor Pereira has expressed his frustration and disappointment following Wolves' 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, August 23, 2025. The Portuguese manager stated that the players failed to adhere to the game plan, contributing to their second successive defeat this season. Wolves also suffered a 4-0 defeat at home to Manchester City.

Pereira revealed that the tactical approach was to exploit the flanks, recognizing Bournemouth's aggressive nature in the central areas. However, the team conceded an early goal in the 4th minute after losing possession while trying to play through the middle. Marcus Tavernier's shot deflected off Emmanuel Agbadou and into the net.

"The plan was very clear for us: to not build our play in the middle, to build the play from the sides," said Pereira. "Football is like this. You can prepare everything but after four minutes we make a pass in the middle, we build in the middle, we lost the ball and they scored". He also lamented a missed opportunity to score before Bournemouth's goal. "Before (the goal) we had a big chance to score and we missed it".

Pereira felt the early setback had a "negative impact" on his team, leading to a timid performance. "I think this goal creates a negative impact in our team because when I watch the game I was feeling that the team was shy on the pitch and with some difficulties to go out of this pressure," Pereira said.

Wolves' task was further complicated when Toti Gomes was shown a straight red card in the 49th minute for a foul on Evanilson. Despite being a man down, Pereira made tactical changes at halftime, aiming to adjust the attacking positions. He felt the team started the second half brightly, creating a significant chance to score. Jhon Arias, who was making his full debut, had a volley go just wide. However, playing with ten men against a strong team like Bournemouth proved too difficult.

"After, the red card. Playing against this team is not easy when it's 11 against 11, let alone 10 against 11, but we tried to keep our organisation," Pereira said. "We tries to arrive on the box, creating something, we tried and I think we have been united, organised and we didn't concede any goal [when down to 10] but in the end, it's difficult to score, and they win the game".

Despite the defeat, Pereira remains determined to improve the team's performance. He stressed the importance of hard work and correcting mistakes on the training ground. "I just know one way to improve and the way is not about words but work," said Pereira. "Work and work and work: try to follow the plan, not commit mistakes, correct them at training, try to not lose confidence". He is also hoping for new signings to bolster the squad.

Bournemouth's manager, Andoni Iraola, celebrated a vital victory after a summer of transition. The Cherries, despite conceding eight goals in their opening two matches, displayed verve and confidence. Antoine Semenyo, who had previously been subjected to racial abuse, threatened throughout the game, while Tyler Adams forced a good save from Wolves' goalkeeper Jose Sa. Iraola handed a debut to Amine Adli, a recent signing from Bayer Leverkusen.

Wolves will be looking to bounce back in their upcoming Carabao Cup match against West Ham, seeking their first goal of the season.