The grind of pre-season football isn’t always pretty, but for Wolverhampton Wanderers coach Vítor Pereira, his recent 11-day training camp in Algarve was a clear success. This marked his very first pre-season leading the Wolves, a crucial period to begin shaping his vision for the squad.
Despite a 2-1 loss to Santa Clara and a 1-1 draw against Burnley during their time away, Pereira told the club’s media that he’s feeling good about the progress. “We are getting our message across to the players,” he explained. “We’re training hard, with real intensity. I’m a bit tired, sure, but genuinely happy with how things are going.” He also highlighted the fantastic atmosphere and positive energy buzzing among the players. That kind of team spirit is a huge boost when you’re pushing boundaries.
Pereira isn’t holding back on the training pitch. He’s pushing his players hard, especially focusing on quick, one-touch passing. Sometimes, players might lose a bit of confidence when they make a mistake under pressure. But the coach views these slip-ups as prime opportunities for growth. “It’s okay to make mistakes now,” he often tells them. “This is the time to mess up, fix it, and get better.” He believes keeping a positive vibe is absolutely key. “We’re here to enjoy these sessions, to grow, and to feel good about our work,” he added.
So, the overall outlook from the Wolves’ camp is certainly bright. “We feel like we are building a true identity,” Pereira shared. “We’re doing our very best out on the pitch, and we are building a real team spirit.” He emphasized a core truth in football: “We can’t control the final score in every game. But we can control our effort on the field. We can get better every single day we step out there.”
The Wolves still have a busy schedule ahead before the new season officially kicks off. They are set to face Stoke City on July 26, followed by RC Lens on July 30. Then, they’ll play Girona FC on August 3 and Celta Vigo on August 9. The biggest test arrives soon after: their Premier League debut for the 2025/26 season. That match is scheduled for August 16, and it will be a major challenge against Manchester City.