Wolverhampton Wanderers are in discussions with Al-Shabab manager Vitor Pereira as they search for a new head coach following the dismissal of Gary O’Neil. The club is aiming for a swift appointment, with Pereira emerging as the leading candidate.
Pereira leads the race for Wolves job
The 56-year-old Portuguese coach, who has been managing Al-Shabab since February, is expected to cost Wolves around £800,000 in compensation – a sum that is not seen as a hurdle for the Premier League side. Under Pereira, Al-Shabab finished eighth in the Saudi Pro League last season and currently sit sixth after 13 games.
Pereira’s managerial résumé includes two Primeira Liga titles with Porto in 2012 and 2013 and a Greek Super League championship with Olympiacos in 2015. His potential arrival at Molineux could be finalized soon, with Wolves hoping he will take charge before Tuesday’s training session. If appointed, his first match would be an away fixture against Leicester on Sunday.
Wolves have reportedly explored other options, including former West Ham and Manchester United boss David Moyes, but sources indicate that Pereira is the preferred choice.
O’Neil departs after poor start
Gary O’Neil’s tenure came to an abrupt end on Sunday morning after a 2-1 defeat to Ipswich left Wolves second from bottom in the Premier League, four points adrift of safety. His departure follows a difficult campaign marked by inconsistency and defensive struggles.
O’Neil, 41, took over just before the start of the 2023-24 season after Julen Lopetegui’s resignation and managed to secure a 14th-place finish last season. However, this term has been disastrous, with the team losing 11 of their 16 league games, conceding a league-high 40 goals.
Wolves chairman Jeff Shi expressed gratitude to O’Neil and his staff, stating: “We’re very grateful to Gary for all of his effort, dedication, and hard work during his time at the club.”
O’Neil’s backroom staff, including Tim Jenkins, Shaun Derry, Ian Burchnall, Neil Cutler, and Woody Dewar, have also departed.
On-field and Off-field challenges
Despite a brief unbeaten run of four games, including victories over Southampton and Fulham, Wolves have struggled to find consistency. Recent heavy defeats to Everton, Bournemouth, and Ipswich highlighted defensive frailties, with the team conceding two or more goals in 13 matches.
Off-field issues have further complicated matters. Midfielder Mario Lemina was stripped of the captaincy after an incident with West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, and Rayan Ait-Nouri received a second yellow card in the tunnel following Saturday’s loss. Additionally, striker Matheus Cunha clashed with Ipswich security after the game.
O’Neil described his time with the squad as the toughest challenge of his career, signaling a fractured relationship with the team. Prior to Wolves, O’Neil spent a year with Bournemouth, where he helped the club avoid relegation before being replaced by Andoni Iraola.
Wolves now look to Pereira to turn their season around, hoping his experience and track record of success can steer them clear of the relegation zone.
