20 January 2025

Wolves manager Vitor Pereira has criticised forward Matheus Cunha’s performance following their 3-1 loss to Chelsea on Monday. Cunha went right into the tunnel at full-time without addressing the away fans, which Pereira, unhappy, claimed was “something that cannot happen”. “He is a captain. He may be frustrated because he wants to win, but everyone in the locker room desires to win. “I don’t like his body language,” Pereira said. “I want a captain who will attempt to aid the squad by running, suffering, and fighting together. But I understand now; next time I won’t.”

Cunha, who has scored 10 league goals for Wolves this season, was recently banned for two games and fined £80,000 by the Football Association following a defeat at Ipswich Town in December. The Brazil striker was charged with misconduct after elbowing an Ipswich staff member and snatching his glasses off his face. Following the game, Wolves sacked Gary O’Neil as manager and replaced him with Pereira.

Lemina will not play in transfer window – Pereira

Pereira also stated that midfielder Mario Lemina will not play while the January transfer window is open. Lemina, 31, wants to leave the club and has asked not to participate in their 3-0 loss to Newcastle on January 15. The Gabon international has subsequently apologised to Pereira and the rest of the playing group, stating that he is “ready to do his best for the team” until a solution is reached. Wolves, 17th in the Premier League, want £5 million for Lemina, who signed from Southampton two years ago. Al-Shabab, a Saudi Pro League club, has wanted to take him on a free transfer, but Wolves will not consider it.

Pereira told reporters: “For me, he is out until the end of the market and when the market closes, I will see if he is my player.”If he is, it will be an issue for me to handle since he is a good player; otherwise, he will leave and it will not be my problem. “I don’t want a player with uncertainties. I cannot play alongside a player who has doubts. “I want players who are committed to the project.”He is training, but his mind is not present since he still wants to move and go. I must be truthful and explain what happened. I’ll wait until the end of the market to see.”

The transfer window will end at 23:00 GMT on Monday, February 3, with Wolves meeting Arsenal and Aston Villa before then. Lemina was club captain at the start of the season, but was relieved of the position by previous boss O’Neil after an argument with West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen following the final whistle in their 2-1 loss at London Stadium. At the time, O’Neil stated that Lemina “would remain part of the squad’s leadership group”. Lemina has only played 31 minutes since Pereira took over as O’Neil’s successor on December 19.

“We can all make mistakes in life, and I have,” Pereira said on Friday, after revealing Lemina had apologised. “We must give him the opportunity to show in the act, not with words.”I believe he spoke from his heart and will try; I’m here to see whether he can. “If he can contribute, great; if not, I’d rather go with another dedicated player.” “Mario possesses quality in the midfield, both physically and technically. It all depends on his mind. I’m hoping he can help us till the conclusion of the season or the end of the month.”