AliousVítor Pereira admits Wolves’ main striker not fully fit for 90 minutes ahead of Tottenham clash
Wolves head coach Vítor Pereira has acknowledged that one of his key attacking players is still not capable of completing a full 90 minutes, as his side look to halt their poor run of form against Tottenham this weekend.
The Molineux club endured a disastrous preseason, losing all six games, and have carried that form into the Premier League, where they remain winless after five fixtures. Pereira, speaking candidly, admitted the start to the campaign has been among the toughest of his career.
“You look at the table—I don’t like to be in this position. Never in my life have I experienced this before, but I know the reasons,” he explained. The Portuguese coach pointed to the late arrivals in the transfer window and the departures of key figures like Rayan Aït-Nouri and Matheus Cunha as factors that disrupted preparations. “Now, I feel the players are beginning to build connections, show different movements, and create dynamics together,” he added.
Despite a 3-2 loss to Everton at the end of August, Wolves did manage a morale-boosting 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture at Molineux earlier this month. Pereira hopes that result can act as a turning point. “A good result changes everything—confidence, smiles, energy. We’ve trained well this week, and we believe one win can spark a turnaround.”
Competition for places has intensified, with Pereira challenging his players to step up. “It’s time for them to prove why they’re in the Premier League. Internal competition is healthy, and I believe it will raise our level,” he said.
However, Wolves’ plans are complicated by the fitness of Jørgen Strand Larsen, who is still short of full sharpness. “We are going step by step with him. He’s not 100% ready to play 90 minutes at the intensity this league demands,” Pereira admitted.
Summer recruit Tolu Arokodare has been tasked with leading the line in Larsen’s absence. The Nigerian forward, who scored a late consolation in the 3-1 defeat to Leeds, is gradually improving his conditioning after being thrust into extended minutes immediately upon arrival. “Tolu showed quality with his goal and is building fitness. When he came, we had to push him straight into long games because we lacked alternatives,” Pereira explained.
As Wolves prepare to face Spurs, Pereira is banking on fresh energy, growing chemistry, and gradual player recoveries to steer his side out of their early-season slump.
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