Vítor Pereira is a man enjoying his football. His journey with Wolverhampton couldn’t be going much better. In a recent chat with Sport TV, the Portuguese manager beamed about coaching in the Premier League. Yet, he made it clear he wouldn’t completely shut the door on heading back to his home country someday. And no, he added, that wouldn’t automatically mean a return to FC Porto.
Pereira, now 57, reflected on his past, drawing a sharp contrast to his current standing. “People recognize my work far more today than they did back then,” he explained. “FC Porto was in a period where winning just seemed normal. It was a club with a full stomach, you could say. But often, for your efforts to truly get credit, a team needs to go through some lean times, a period with an empty stomach.” He pointed out that FC Porto indeed struggled for about four years after his tenure. “Honestly, now, I feel people’s appreciation everywhere I go, much more than I did back then. They didn’t quite grasp the kind of team we had, the style of players. We loved having the ball, controlling the game. I always thought, ‘There’s only one ball, and it’s ours.'” He questioned if that was truly his most impactful work. “At Santa Clara, you could already see my mark, quality work was happening. But FC Porto gave me the chance to win two Leagues, two Super Cups. That really put me on the map.”
A Taste of Wolverhampton Life
Life in Wolverhampton clearly suits him, even down to the local pub culture. Pereira shared a chuckle about it. “Anyone who visits Wolverhampton probably realizes the best places to go are the good pubs, especially to catch a football match. It’s their culture; there isn’t much else around. The fans are completely dedicated to the club. They love celebrating in the pubs. My joining in happened so naturally, so genuinely. I want to celebrate too; I don’t feel like being stuck at home.” It’s clear he’s embraced the unique spirit of the city and its loyal supporters.
The Premier League Dream
His passion for the English top flight shines through every word. “If someone told me I’d spend 10 years in the Premier League, I’d sign that deal right now, no hesitation,” he declared. “This is the league where I see myself, it’s my natural habitat. It’s a league built on tactics, strategy, with an incredibly high level of detail. And that’s exactly the kind of coach I am. I’m in the league I’ve always dreamed of, working alongside top-tier players and managers.”
Leaving a Mark, Moving On
He also touched on the departure of talented youngsters like Diogo Jota and André Silva from his former clubs. “The feeling of seeing two young players move on is hard to put into words. But that’s just how football goes,” he mused. “Their stories, their contributions, will stay etched in everyone’s minds forever. Wolverhampton, and other clubs, will always remember them. Their human qualities and their skills on the field will be part of the collective memory.”
Professional First, Project Driven
As for a potential return to Portugal? Pereira is pragmatic. “I’ve always said I’m not a coach tied to just one club. I’m a football professional,” he stated simply. “I look at the project. If a project excites me and challenges me, I’ll consider it. But right now, I’m extremely happy where I am, and I want to keep building here.”
The Daily Grind: A Must-Have
When asked about managing a national team, a different side of his ambition emerged. “I’ve had chances to take charge of national teams before,” he admitted. “But I see myself working every single day. If that’s taken away from me… I need to express myself creatively, every single day.” For Vítor Pereira, the daily rhythm of coaching and the constant pursuit of fresh ideas are clearly non-negotiable. He is a man who thrives on the daily challenge, always looking for the next project that truly ignites his passion.