“I must push him to be better” – Wolves manager lays down challenge to one of his star player
Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Vitor Pereira has sent a strong message to midfielder Andre, insisting that the Brazilian must raise his standards if he wants to reclaim his place in the starting XI.
The 22-year-old was a shock absentee from the lineup in Wolves’ recent defeat to Bournemouth, with Pereira instead opting to start Jean-Ricner Bellegarde alongside Joao Gomes in central midfield. The decision raised eyebrows among supporters, given Andre’s reputation as one of Wolves’ brightest young players.
However, the gamble did not pay off. Bellegarde’s sloppy pass in midfield proved costly as it led directly to Bournemouth’s winning goal – a moment that underlined Wolves’ struggles and left fans questioning Pereira’s selection.
Manager explains decision
Speaking after the match, Pereira explained that Andre’s omission was not simply a tactical choice but a response to what he described as underwhelming performances, both in Wolves’ opening day loss to Manchester City and in training sessions leading up to the Bournemouth clash.
“The positions in football are not a gift,” Pereira told reporters. “They are not something that I give to Andre or any other player. He must fight for them. I like Andre a lot – he is talented and he can bring us many good things – but I must push him to be better and to increase his level.”
The Wolves boss stressed that dropping the Brazilian was intended as motivation rather than punishment, making it clear that Andre remains an important part of his long-term plans.
A challenge for Andre
Andre, who arrived at Molineux last season with high expectations, has already shown flashes of his quality but has yet to deliver consistently in the Premier League. Pereira’s comments suggest the midfielder is at a crossroads in his development, needing to prove that he can combine his technical ability with the work rate and discipline required at the top level.
With Wolves battling for early momentum in the league, Pereira is demanding that every player meets the highest standards in training and on matchdays. His challenge to Andre highlights the manager’s determination to build a side where no place is guaranteed and performances dictate selection.
Looking ahead
The coming weeks will be crucial for Andre as he seeks to respond to his manager’s call. If he can raise his game and impress in training, he could quickly find himself back in Wolves’ starting XI. For now, however, Pereira has made it clear: Andre’s future role in the team will depend entirely on his ability to step up and prove himself.