Vitor Pereira Puts the blame on Wolves Players Following Deflating Defeat to Sunderland

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ struggles continued this weekend with a disappointing defeat to newly-promoted Sunderland, intensifying the pressure on under-fire manager Vitor Pereira. However, following the full-time whistle, Pereira made it clear that he believes the blame doesn’t rest solely on his shoulders.

The 2-1 loss at the Stadium of Light marked another frustrating chapter in Wolves’ increasingly turbulent season. Though Sunderland have impressed many with their spirited performances since returning to the Premier League, Saturday’s match was viewed by fans and pundits alike as a golden opportunity for Wolves to secure much-needed points against a less experienced side. Instead, they left with nothing to show, and questions continue to mount.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, Pereira highlighted a significant shift in the team’s performance after halftime:

“In the second half, we corrected our moments and, in my opinion, played 30 minutes of high-quality football. We created three or four clear chances to score. In the Premier League, you cannot waste these moments. But in the end, we conceded. In the final 15 minutes, with two strikers on, we stopped playing our game. We went long, and that’s not our style.”

Pereira’s comments suggest a clear disconnect between his tactical intentions and the decisions made by the players during the crucial final phase of the match. The introduction of striker Tolu Arokodare, alongside another forward, seemed to trigger a change in approach. Rather than sticking to the controlled, possession-based style emphasized by Pereira, Wolves shifted to a more direct, route-one tactic — a move the head coach did not condone and which ultimately undermined their momentum.

Tactical Frustrations Boil Over

It’s not unusual for managers to shoulder criticism after a poor result, and Pereira will undoubtedly face scrutiny for his substitutions and inability to secure a result. However, in this instance, he made it clear that tactical instructions were ignored by the players themselves, particularly in the closing stages when composure was most needed.

Wolves had started the second half brightly. Pereira’s halftime talk appeared to spark some life into the squad, with the team regaining control and generating several dangerous chances. It was a much-needed improvement after a lacklustre opening period.

But when the game reached its decisive final quarter, Wolves lost their shape and focus. A route-one approach emerged — perhaps out of desperation — but it played straight into Sunderland’s hands. This abandonment of the game plan left Pereira visibly frustrated on the sidelines.

Adding salt to the wound was Ladislav Krejci’s unfortunate own goal, which effectively ended Wolves’ hopes of a comeback. Up to that point, the visitors were very much in the match, even if their performance wasn’t entirely convincing.

Shared Responsibility in Wolves’ Decline

Pereira has accepted his share of the criticism — as any manager must — but he also made it clear that the players need to be held accountable for their actions on the pitch. Some simply did not rise to the occasion, with a few key names seemingly disappearing during critical moments of the game.

It’s easy to place all the blame on the head coach, especially during a poor run of results, but the reality is more nuanced. Tactical mistakes may have occurred, but a failure to execute the plan lies just as much with the players as with the manager.

The truth is, both parties are at fault. Pereira’s decisions, particularly regarding substitutions and tactical adjustments, are open to criticism. But the players must also be questioned — for their lack of discipline, their deviation from instructions, and their apparent loss of confidence under pressure.

Looking Ahead: Burnley on the Horizon

Ultimately, pointing fingers won’t solve Wolves’ growing list of problems. The defeat to Sunderland has happened, and now all focus must turn toward the next match — a crucial fixture against Burnley.

The Wolves camp needs to regroup, reflect, and most importantly, respond. Whether that means tactical adjustments from Pereira or a renewed sense of commitment from the players, change must come — and fast.

In the meantime, it might be best for everyone involved with the club to avoid the headlines and focus on the job at hand. Wolves are at a crossroads, and if they’re to salvage their season, unity and accountability will be essential.