Wolverhampton Wanderers

Alex Fletcher
BBC Sport journalist

Wolves boss Vitor Pereira has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Brighton & Hove Albion (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Pereira said that he will face a "late decision" over the fitness of forwards Hwang Hee-chan and Jorgen Strand Larsen, but that the rest of the squad is available for selection.

• When asked about Hwang's lack of minutes: "We don't play with two strikers and [Jorgen Strand] Larsen is scoring [goals]. Until now I didn't have space for him and this is football."

• On ending the season on a high: "For us the next three games will be a challenge. [We need to] compete with three teams that are consistent at playing good football and we need to understand and realise what level we are at so in the future we can compete with them [higher up the table]."

• Pereira said he wants to create "a piece of art" at Wolves, adding: "I want to create something that I never created before, because to improve yourself, you must try to create something special every time, not be comfortable with what you did before."

• He added: "This is my idea a piece of art. If we commit everyone to achieve something, we can do special things. We are together and I want to improve and increase the commitment between the club, the players, the ers, the city. This is the way to compete with the big teams in this league."

• On giving youth team players minutes: "Football is not about gifts, it's about earning the right to play and I like to be honest with the players and with myself. I will select the players that are in [the right] conditions to compete and win the games and we will reward the players that deserve it."

• He added: "I will not use the last games just to put players on the pitch, you have to work to earn your position."

• On Brighton: "We are facing a team with quality all over the pitch and the players have been together for a long time under [lots of] good managers. We have to be organised."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Wolves and West Ham United are two of the clubs looking at a potential summer transfer for 24-year-old Genoa and Denmark defensive midfielder Morten Frendrup. (Football Transfers), external

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Rayan Ait-Nouri has been directly involved in more goals than any other defender in the Premier League this season (11 – four goals, seven assists). He is the only Wolves defender to have 10 or more goal contributions in a single campaign in the competition.

Wolves (62 goals conceded from 439 shots faced) have let in a higher share of their shots faced than any other side in the Premier League this season (14%) except for Saturday's opponents Brighton, who have also conceded 14% (56 goals from 395 shots).

Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter

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In other circumstances, Wolves' celebrations - for it was hard to describe them as anything else - on the pitch at Etihad Stadium on Friday might have seemed a little indulgent.

It was much more than the usual reaction of a defeated away side: the standard wander over towards the travelling fans, returning their polite applause, eyes slightly downcast. Vitor Pereira and his players instead resembled the cast of a West End show, all gathered on stage to hands for a curtain call.

But Wolves had attacked Manchester City as if they felt that they were on equal . City might not have the same aura as a year ago but they are still a team of formidable talent and Wolves, without Jorgen Strand Larsen after injury ended his golden recent run, matched them in every regard except for the finishing touch.

So the winning run ended. Still, six out of seven is not bad and Wolves had at least put on a good show, the sort of performance you can really enjoy when your team is essentially free of jeopardy.

Zooming out a little, perhaps the most important thing to learn is that, after a mostly grey period, being emotionally invested in Wolves feels good again.

Since the pandemic, the focus of the club and the ers has been less about what is happening now and more on fear for the future. What if there is no more money? What if this or that player leaves? What if we go down?

It was becoming a joyless ride, a slog towards keeping Premier League status, and for what: just to stagger onwards, hovering above next season's newcomers, hoping just to exist in the Premier League because the alternative was somehow worse?

It did not take much. A few wins obviously helped but suddenly it is fun to enjoy Wolves in the present again: a team that, while imperfect, has a clear plan and believes in its own ability, so you can believe in it too.

Pereira, wise enough to know that such a moment can be transient, is eager to keep pushing to the end of the season. Carry that feeling forward and transfer targets looking for a new clubs to will feel it this summer as well.

• Listen to full commentary of Wolves v Brighton at 15:00 BST on Saturday on BBC Radio WM [95.6FM/DAB/Freeview]

• Tune into The West Midlands Football Phone-In from 18:00 on weeknights

Wolves are among several Premier League clubs interested in Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott, 22. (Talksport, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Dazzling Dave
Fan writer

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Wolves' impressive six-game winning streak came to an end at Etihad Stadium, but the result against Manchester City was never the main story. Wolves knew this fixture could puncture their run, but they rose to the challenge and delivered a display that proved their progress is real.

After all, they did not simply sit back, instead going toe to toe with a reinvigorated City side. They struck the post twice, saw another effort cleared off the line and created chances through real attacking intent. Despite losing 1-0, the team looked closer to City than the table might suggest.

The match turned on errors by Wolves, small details that separate sides in such encounters. Yet at full-time, the focus shifted from regret to pride. Scenes of squad and staff forming a line and saluting the away end, led by Vitor Pereira's triple fist-pump, were meant as a clear message: this team is united.

In his post-match comments, Pereira stressed the importance of maintaining Wolves' identity and pride, no matter the result.

"The meaning (of the gesture) was because we are proud of ourselves," he said. "For sure [fans] must be proud of the work of the team and the players, because we came here with the mentality to compete."

That spirit was clear. The bond between players, staff, and fans is growing stronger. Wolves' climb up the table is not by chance - there is now belief and togetherness running through the club.

With winnable games ahead, this performance may matter more than the points. Wolves look forward not simply to results, but to building a side that learns, improves, and plays as one.

On this evidence, better days are still to come if they get the summer business right.

Find more from Dazzling Dave at Always Wolves, external

Wolves and Everton are interested in g former Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe, with the 29-year-old Ivory Coast international out of contract at Villarreal this summer. (Foot Mercato - in French), external

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Highlights and analysis from Saturday's Four Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from Friday's game between Manchester City and Wolves.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Everton 2-2 Ipswich

• Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth

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We asked for your views on Manchester City's Premier League match against Wolves.

Here are some of your comments:

Man City fans

Mu: At this stage of the season results is the main thing - get over the line and that's it. But what a terrible performance -lacklustre and lethargic. We were easy to play through but were fortunate that Wolves couldn't convert those chances into goals. A lot of work needed in the summer that's for sure.

Ian: Some signs of the old City, but still showing real issues in the defensive third. However, still getting the results.

Gene: Another win albeit saved by the woodwork and several saves by Ederson. De Bruyne has been playing with a chip on his shoulder, showing his ability to find holes for others and himself. Defensively there's still too many sloppy mistakes. Although the play has been better there's room for improvement. Overall there were more scoring opportunities which need to be capitalised upon against the weaker teams.

Wolves:

Kieran: Not a bad performance but we need to better in front of goal in games like this. Strand Larsen being out didn't help as him being there would have got us a draw probably, but not a bad performance.

Tim: It was a reasonable performance - we hit a post twice, and if we'd taken our first-half chances there would have been a different outcome. The big thing I did not like was the amount of space Doku was given on our right. His assist for the goal made all the difference.

Nigel: I agree with Vitor. I was immensely proud of Wolves. We went toe to toe with a fine team and showed we have both the spirit and ability to match them or beat them.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on City's performance

What did you make of Wolves' display?

Come back to this page on Saturday to find a selection of your replies.

With six straight wins in the Premier League, Wolves have vaulted from the edge of the relegation zone to mid-table security, but how do they build on their impressive turnaround next season?

With previous managers hampered by a lack of activity in the transfer market, BBC Sport football news reporter Nick Mashiter explains that Wolves are likely to need to sell players in order to bring new faces into Molineux this summer.

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Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Vitor Pereira has revealed he almost ed Wolves' bitter rivals West Brom.

The Portuguese has had several opportunities to move to the Premier League over the last 15 years before being appointed at Molineux in December.

He spoke to Chelsea, Everton, Crystal Palace, Watford and Arsenal and itted he held talks with the Baggies over a decade ago.

"Do you know how many meetings I had here? The first one, West Bromwich, in the Premier League, maybe 15 years ago," he told BBC Sport.

"The second? Everton. Third? Crystal Palace with the proposal, with the contract for two and-a-half years.

"OK, we can celebrate with a pint and then they changed the idea for another but I realised that is normal here.

"After that, Chelsea, then Everton again, then Arsenal. I had a very long, very good meeting with Arsenal before they signed (Mikel) Arteta.

"Watford was the only time that I said no. I didn't want to do it. It was the time that they were relegated."

His previous chance to come to England, before Molineux, was with Everton in 2022 when the Toffees were replacing Rafa Benitez, while he also spoke to them in 2019 as a possible replacement for Marco Silva.

"It was three times with Everton. With Everton, with the contract was agreed – everything – to start to work tomorrow. My bags were packed," he said.

"But when tomorrow came, it was a case of 'check in, check out, check in, check out, check in' – for one week.

"It was winter. It's a lot. It means now I'm very happy to be here.

"I'm very grateful to the club because they gave me the opportunity to be in the league that I believe gives me the opportunity to be at my best level.

"It challenges me and I need to be challenged. If I go to a league and tactically, I cannot express myself, that is not for me. But in this league, I can do it."

This should be a great game, because Wolves are so powerful and they will have no fear at all after winning six games in a row.

But Manchester City have looked much more solid in the past few weeks and they are on a bit of a roll themselves, with four successive wins in all competitions.

Pep Guardiola's side will look to control this game, the same way they did in the first half of their FA Cup semi-final win over Nottingham Forest, but I do not think they will find it easy to keep Wolves quiet.

Still, I went against City in their last home game, against Aston Villa, and I was wrong. I am not going to make the same mistake again.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

Vitor Pereira has endeared himself to Wolves ers, and the town, with his desire to understand them and the area.

Trips to the local Wetherspoons near the train station after victories have become a fixture - with Molineux serenading him with 'We'll see you in 'Spoons' during Saturday's 3-0 win over Leicester.

"What do we do in Wolverhampton after a game? If I lose the game I stay home and drink my beer alone. If I win the game, I go with the ers to celebrate," Pereira tells BBC Sport.

"The connection with the people is stronger when we suffer together and, when you are in a situation where you are fighting for survival, you feel this connection.

"In the moments we are suffering, you feel we are suffering together. In the moments of celebration, you need to be with them.

"In Wolverhampton, where do you want me to go? I must go to a pub, because this is the culture and where people go.

"When I go to a pub it's not about the beer. Of course I like the beer but I go to be with the people, to feel that I'm doing something to make them happy, to make them proud.

"Work, home, then we go to a pub just for a beer or two beers and finish. This is our life."

Read Nick's full article

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Wolves have won each of their past six Premier League games, the t-longest winning run of any side this term.

Only once have they ever won seven in a row in the top flight, doing so in 1946.

Alex Fletcher
BBC Sport journalist

Vitor Pereira has been speaking to the media before Friday's Premier League game against Manchester City (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• He said there are some "small problems" within the squad but that he hopes to have "everyone" available for Friday.

• Pereira said the team's run of six straight Premier League wins has made his players "happy" and that they are a building a "good environment."

• He said it was a "pleasure" to play in stadiums like Etihad Stadium and that competing in the Premier League is "special."

• On learning from their defeat against Liverpool in February: "In the Liverpool game, I saw two different teams with two different mentalities. The first had a lot of respect [towards their opponent] and in the second half I watched a different game. I saw my team play with courage and this is what I want to see."

• On opponents Manchester City: "You always try to create your identity during a game. Each team is a different challenge and we know we will face a difficult opponent but in the different moments of the game we know how to organise [ourselves]."

• Pereira said there is a balance between "looking at the spaces we can explore" and "managing the strengths [of Manchester City] that we need to contain."

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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We asked for your views on the one thing no-one at Wolves is talking about, but should be.

Here are some of your comments:

Jen: The season Matt Doherty is having should be being talked about more. He was already cast into Wolves folklore for his gut-busting runs, assists and goals from right-back under Nuno. But he has been remoulded this season into a very competent right centre-half in a back three . His raking es have been a key outlet from defence defence and his calm head and reliable shoulders have been important for Vitor Pereira, not to mention his clear love for the club. He's had his doubters since his return, but surely his form has now reminded everyone of just what he has given to the club both past and present.

Dan: Jose Sa's ing and composure has improved massively in the past six months under Vitor Pereira. In the first half of the season, he made a lot of mistakes as did the rest of the team. But now he is assured and keeping clean sheets fairly regularly.

Matt: Wolves are still the only team without a penalty this season - all other teams have had at least two awarded. They also have the the second most (eight) conceded. Many teams have had more than seven awarded, is there unconscious bias from VAR or referees?

Dave: That despite our late-season success, there's a good chance that we'll sell two or three of our best players this summer and repeat the same mistakes of yesteryear in not replacing them properly. Pereira will be let down by Fosun just like Nuno Espirito Santo and Julen Lopetegui were.

Ian: Our past two captains, Maximilian Kilman and Mario Lemina did not seem to cope with the responsibility. A loss of form for both and in Lemina's case, a loss of attitude, meant their times as captain did not go well whereas our current captain Nelson Semedo seems to be going about the job quietly and effectively, bringing the squad back together. Long may it continue.

Wolves are the form side in the Premier League, enjoying their best run in more than 50 years.

If Vitor Pereira's men can continue their hot streak, and teams above struggle in their final matches, a top-half finish is not completely out of the question.

We have heard about how brilliant and likeable Pereira is. So much has already been said about the future of Matheus Cunha and we know about the blossoming midfield partnership of Joao Gomes and Andre.

So tell us something else. Give us a peek behind the curtain.

You know your club best, so tell us the one thing that no-one is talking about at Wolves but really should be.

Let us know

Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter

Image source, Getty Images

"It's your round, Vitor," Wolves fans have taken to singing over the past few weeks, as their head coach continues his single-handed effort to refloat the Black Country brewing industry.

It is unlikely he has been short of people offering to buy his beer. But this run of wins is now about much more than points and pints. It presents an opportunity.

This is not the first time in the past few, often queasy, seasons for Wolves when the club – taking players, staff and fans together – have experienced a surge in confidence out of adversity.

Two years ago, fearing relegation, they replaced Bruno Lage with Julen Lopetegui, replenished the squad and were safe with weeks to spare. Last season, after the hurried appointment of Gary O'Neil, by mid-March they were eighth in the Premier League and in the last eight of the FA Cup.

The euphoria now seems to be of a different order to those two previous situations, but they are nevertheless instructive.

Both could have been platforms to move forwards, but the moments quickly ed. Lopetegui and the club were soon at odds with each other over future plans. A lack of resources broke the spell under O'Neil, who proved unable to restore it.

Are Wolves better placed now to ride this next wave? It seems so.

Pereira is rightly receiving much of the credit for the revival, but after a period in which the club's hierarchy has been sharply criticised, we should note that others have helped to create the conditions for him.

Wolves found him in the first place - he was not necessarily an obvious choice - and the mid-season gs of Emmanuel Agbadou and Marshall Munetsi have made a positive difference on a reasonable budget.

Pereira, who signed a contract only for 18 months on arrival, should be in a strong position to make his case to the club about how to prepare for next season. It is always easy to spend other people's money, of course, but the squad does not seem in need of quite the same level investment that Lopetegui evidently wanted.

Whether Matheus Cunha stays or goes, there is a viable route to preparing well for next season.

Goodwill in football is hard-won and easily wasted. The widely reported story this week concerning Wolves' women's team illustrates just how.

The results achieved under Pereira over the past few weeks offer the club a great opportunity, but it will need careful handling over the coming weeks to capitalise, and make the moment last.

Listen to full commentary of Manchester City v Wolves at 20:00 BST on Friday on BBC Radio WM (95.6FM/DAB/Freeview)

Tune into The West Midlands Football Phone-In from 18:00 on weeknights