Vitor Pereira says he has had several frank and challenging conversations with Wolves players over the past few weeks in an effort to get the team back on track and aim for their first win of the season. He has been forced to make difficult decisions by temporarily excluding some experienced players from the matchday squad due to intense competition for spots.  

However, the manager is confident that his professional players understand his thinking. Even if they may not fully agree, they all understand his efforts to win the three points. This Sunday, Wolves will host Brighton, and Vitor Pereira will face another difficult lineup decision.  

He still has to decide whether to stick with the back four that played in the Carabao Cup win over Everton and in the first half of the draw with Tottenham last round, or return to a more stable back five. Vitor Pereira knows the understanding that is developing among his players is crucial if Wolves are to achieve their coveted Premier League title.  

Vitor Pereira said: "To feel confident, I have to be in control of everything. This is not a gamble, nor is it just a spectator's game. Now, I am gradually feeling this confidence. I know that the players understand our requirements and know their responsibilities. We can still do better and continue to improve. But it is this inner confidence that allows me to pass on my strength to the team."  

“When you start a new job at a new club and work with a new coaching staff, the initial focus is on understanding their message. When your attention is focused on absorbing tactical ideas, you often cannot fully express yourself, which makes coaches worry about whether the players can accurately understand and implement their requirements.”  

"But now, they already know how to act tactically. The tacit understanding between players is crucial. Imagine if I didn't know my teammate well enough. I didn't know if he was a quicker or more ball-dominant player, if he preferred to pass the ball at his feet or receive into space, or if he was more comfortable playing outside or inside. Then, cooperation would become difficult. Now, the players are gradually building this understanding and are entering a stage where they can truly express themselves."  

When talking about the competition for the starting position within the team, Vitor Pereira said: "If you are my player and you give your all in training, I will definitely communicate with you because you deserve such recognition. I will tell you: 'You are competing hard, and the opportunity will come. Whether it is starting or on the bench, we need you. I am very satisfied with your performance, keep up this attitude.'"  

"I have spoken to every player who played before but didn't get the results they wanted. I told them I need to find the right solution. I have to provide stability to the players who helped us win against Everton. We are still in a difficult phase and we need points and wins. This is the reality of football. That's why I told them that starting berths are never given, but earned. You have to fight for your place every day."  

"I have spoken to every player and explained why I am making the changes. We have to make some changes because the team needs to improve its performance and get better results. I am trying to find the most suitable solution and will adjust the tactical system so that the players understand that I am trying to find a balance between my philosophy and the current squad."  

"To prove to the players that I have tried my best to be fair in the lineups I arrange and every decision I make. I know that sometimes I am not perfect, but for a player, as long as he gives his all in training, the opportunity will come. My decision is also to convey this message: as long as you maintain your form and continue to work hard, you will be within my consideration. I believe that those players who are not currently in the starting lineup will definitely have their own opportunities in the future."  

"I have a very good team and there is no barrier between me and the players. We always maintain open communication, communicate honestly with each other and explain the reasons behind every decision. Of course, sometimes players have different opinions and feel that they deserve a chance to play. But that is their understanding, and as a coach, I have to make choices based on my own judgment."