The turning point in Wolves’ season came when they made the decision to part ways with Gary O’Neil and bring in Vitor Pereira as their new manager.
Following a disappointing 2-1 loss to Ipswich in December, Wolves found themselves languishing in the relegation zone, prompting the board to take action. O’Neil’s tenure had seen just two wins from 16 matches, leaving the team in a precarious position with survival in the Premier League looking uncertain.
In search of a savior, Fosun turned to Vitor Pereira, a Portuguese manager with a reputation for turning struggling teams around. Since his appointment, Pereira has worked wonders at Wolves, guiding them to a comfortable lead of nine points over the relegation zone.
Pereira’s impact on the team has been undeniable, as he has rejuvenated the squad and brought out the best in every player, including those who had previously fallen out of favor under O’Neil.
One such player is Andre, a £21 million signing from Fluminense, who struggled to make an impact under O’Neil’s management. Despite being highly sought after by top clubs like Liverpool, Andre found himself on the fringes of the team, often overlooked in favor of other midfield options.
Under O’Neil, Andre’s talents were underappreciated, and he was even substituted at half-time in a match against Manchester City for struggling to grasp the game plan. However, since Pereira took charge, Andre has blossomed into one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders, starting every game except one and impressing with his passing accuracy.
As Dave Edwards acknowledges, Andre’s remarkable transformation under Pereira has solidified his status as one of the league’s best midfielders, with impressive statistics to back up his performances. It is a stark contrast to the treatment he received under O’Neil, who opted for other options like Mario Lemina, now at Galatasaray, over the talented Brazilian.
The resurgence of Wolves under Pereira and the rise of players like Andre highlight the impact a change in leadership can have on a team’s fortunes, ultimately shaping their season for the better.
