Wolverhampton Wanderers have sacked manager Vitor Pereira, according to the club itself.
When Pereira arrived at Molineux last December, he and his coaching staff made an immediate impression and led the team through a successful spring season in the Premier League. But this year, things have gone completely wrong. The situation was not helped by the fact that last year’s rescuer, Norwegian Jørgen Strand Larsen, started the season out of the squad due to injury.
Read: Scott Parker confident after facing Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City this season
Total crisis after a weak start
After only ten league rounds, the club is facing a total crisis, and relegation is already a topic in the discussions. Wolverhampton are at the bottom of the table with just two points, and have only managed to score seven goals while conceding 22.
Last weekend, Pereira was seen in a heated discussion with supporters after a 3-2 defeat to Burnley. The supporters, who had already expressed dissatisfaction with the board during the match, after the defeat directed their frustration at the manager with shouts of “get sacked tomorrow morning”. It took a week and another defeat – 3-0 against Fulham – for the sacking to become a reality.
When asked about the incident, Pereira stated: “We understand the frustration of the people and the supporters, but what I have to say is that if we fight united with them, we can win games, compete and achieve our goals. Without them, it’s impossible.”
Solskjaer linked to Wolves – could give Strand Larsen
a big advantage In the speculation about who could take over, names such as Brendan Rodgers, Erik ten Hag, Sérgio Conceição, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Frank Lampard are now mentioned.
A Solskjaer appointment would make particular sense for the club’s Norwegian star, Jørgen Strand Larsen, for several reasons:
- Direct communication: The ability to communicate in Norwegian in training situations and on the pitch would create a unique understanding between player and coach, without the risk of misunderstandings that can arise in an English-speaking environment.
- Understanding the Scandinavian type of player: As an experienced Scandinavian coach, Solskjaer would have an innate understanding of how best to motivate and develop a player like Strand Larsen, both on and off the pitch.
- Attacking focus: Solskjaer’s philosophy as a player and coach has always been characterized by an attacking focus. This would benefit Strand Larsen, as he relies on good crosses and an attack-oriented tactic to exploit his strengths as a goalscorer.
- Development of young talent: Solskjaer has proven himself to be adept at developing young, promising players. His approach would probably have given Strand Larsen the confidence boost and confidence he needs to establish himself even stronger in the Premier League.
With a manager who understands him both culturally and tactically, Strand Larsen could have been in the best position to return to the goalscorer who saved Wolves last season, and thus also helped the club out of the crisis.
Read: Tottenham prepare €130 million to revolutionise their attack
