In a stunning and unexpected move, Vítor Pereira, head coach of Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C., has officially announced his resignation from the role, declaring he will no longer work as a football coach — neither at Wolves nor anywhere else.
The 56-year-old Portuguese manager, who only joined the Premier League side midway through the 2024/25 season, made the revelation during a closed-door meeting with club officials and key players at the club’s Compton Park training facility earlier this week. The club later confirmed the news in an official statement on their website, marking the end of a brief but impactful tenure.
“I’m done. I’m not going to work as a coach anymore,” Pereira reportedly said, according to sources close to the club. “This decision comes after months of reflection. I’ve given everything to football, but now it’s time to step back — for personal and professional reasons.”
A Promising Start with a Sudden End
Vítor Pereira was appointed manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 19, 2024, following the sacking of Gary O’Neil, who struggled to lift the club from the bottom of the Premier League table. At the time of his arrival, Wolves were sitting in 19th place with only 9 points from 16 matches and were widely considered strong relegation candidates.
Under Pereira’s guidance, the team saw a swift and dramatic turnaround. He introduced a more compact and disciplined defensive structure while reinvigorating key players such as Pedro Neto, Matheus Cunha, and Rayan Aït-Nouri. His tactical experience, gained from decades coaching across Portugal, Greece, China, and Turkey, proved valuable in steadying a squad plagued by low morale and inconsistency.
By the end of the 2024/25 season, Wolves had climbed to 16th place, securing their Premier League survival with two games to spare after a crucial 2–1 win over Brentford in early May.
Shock and Speculation Surround His Exit
Pereira’s decision to walk away — not only from Wolves but from football management entirely — has sent ripples through the footballing world. The reasons behind his sudden exit remain vague, though multiple sources indicate a combination of health concerns, family pressures, and professional burnout.
“He’s a very intense character, and coaching at this level takes a toll,” one Wolves insider told The Athletic. “There were whispers in recent weeks that he was feeling increasingly isolated, even despite the success. He’s a proud man who doesn’t show vulnerability easily.”
Pereira’s coaching career has been both extensive and itinerant. Known as a passionate and fiery tactician, he has managed 14 clubs across eight countries, including stints with Porto, Olympiacos, Fenerbahçe, and Shanghai SIPG. Yet, it was his time at Wolves — brief as it was — that showcased his resilience and adaptability in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
Emotional Goodbye to Players and Staff
According to Wolves captain Max Kilman, Pereira delivered an emotional farewell to the squad, thanking them for their commitment and urging them to keep fighting in the seasons ahead.
“He told us to believe in ourselves, no matter who’s in charge next,” Kilman said. “It was a surprise to everyone. You could feel the emotion in the room. He’s a man of integrity, and you could tell this wasn’t an easy decision for him.”
Chairman Jeff Shi also released a statement expressing the club’s gratitude:
“We would like to thank Vítor Pereira for his service to Wolverhampton Wanderers. His experience, professionalism, and leadership helped guide us through one of the toughest periods in recent club history. While we are saddened by his departure, we fully respect his decision and wish him all the best for the future.”
What’s Next for Wolves?
The timing of Pereira’s departure is particularly challenging for Wolves, who now face the urgent task of finding a new head coach ahead of pre-season preparations. Names already being floated include former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, current Wolves assistant coach Pablo Franco, and a potential return for Nuno Espírito Santo — although club sources have dismissed any “shortlist” for now.
The club’s technical director Matt Hobbs is expected to lead the search, with the board emphasizing a desire for continuity, discipline, and long-term planning in their next appointment.
Meanwhile, Wolves supporters are left reflecting on Pereira’s short but vital impact. His calm under pressure and the ability to unify a fractured squad earned him respect in a city passionate about its football heritage.
A Legacy of Passion
For Vítor Pereira, this latest chapter in England may be his last in football. His declaration that he’s stepping away from coaching altogether signals a rare and definitive decision in a sport known for constant comebacks.
“I’ve done what I could,” he said in his final words to the press. “I leave with pride, with my head held high. Football has given me much, but now I must give something back to my family and to myself.”
As Wolves fans prepare for the uncertainty ahead, they will no doubt remember the man who came in during a storm and steadied the ship — even if only for a while.
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