Wolverhampton Wanderers have officially parted ways with head coach Vítor Pereira following a string of poor results that left the club rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table.
The Portuguese manager, who only recently signed a long-term contract, was dismissed after failing to register a single win in the opening ten league matches of the 2025–26 season.
The decision came less than 24 hours after Wolves’ 3-0 defeat at Fulham, a result that left the Midlands side with just two points from a possible 30 and sitting eight points adrift of safety. Pereira’s departure marks the club’s latest managerial change in a turbulent period that has seen four head coaches in under four years.
In a statement released by the club, executive chairman Jeff Shi said the move was made in the best interest of the team’s future. “Vítor and his staff worked tirelessly for Wolves and helped guide us through a challenging period last season, for which we are grateful,” Shi said.
“However, the start of this season has been unacceptable and we must take urgent action to protect the club’s Premier League status.”
Pereira had taken over at Molineux in December 2024 and successfully steered Wolves away from relegation, even recording memorable victories over Manchester United in the latter part of the campaign. His efforts earned him a contract extension in September that was intended to keep him at the club until 2028.
However, a disastrous start to the new season saw those plans quickly unravel.
Under Pereira’s management, Wolves lost eight of their first ten league games, scored just seven goals, and conceded 22 — the worst defensive record in the division. The recent loss at Fulham appeared to be the breaking point, with the performance described by fans and pundits as “lifeless” and “uninspired.”
Speaking after that defeat, Pereira had acknowledged his team’s shortcomings. “Today I’m not proud about our work. I don’t need anybody to judge my work; I judge myself. I know my team can play at a better level. Today it was not the case. Everyone must assume responsibility. I’m not worried about myself. I’m worried about my team,” he said in what proved to be his final post-match interview as Wolves manager.
Pereira’s overall record at Wolves stands at 38 matches, with 14 wins, 5 draws, and 19 defeats in all competitions. While his first months in charge brought optimism, the inability to build consistency in the Premier League and the lack of a clear attacking identity ultimately sealed his fate.
In the short term, the club has confirmed that Under-21 coach James Collins and Under-18 boss Richard Walker will take charge of first-team training and match preparations until a new permanent manager is appointed. Early reports suggest that Wolves are considering a number of candidates, including Brendan Rodgers, Erik ten Hag, and Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
Fan frustration has been growing steadily over the past month. After a late defeat to Burnley in late October, Pereira had attempted to address supporters’ anger, saying: “When you were there for 90 minutes trying to help the team, and the team gave everything on the pitch to win, and in the end you conceded a goal, I understand the frustration. Without them it’s impossible.”
Despite the attempt to bridge the divide, results did not improve, and the team’s confidence appeared to erode with each passing week.
Pereira’s sacking also brings renewed scrutiny of the club’s ownership and recruitment strategy. Despite the heavy investment in recent seasons, Wolves have struggled to establish a stable identity since the departure of former manager Nuno Espírito Santo.
The rapid turnover of coaches — each with differing tactical philosophies — has made it difficult to build momentum or a cohesive squad.