Vítor Pereira has never been one to hold back his thoughts, and his time in management has been marked by both success and controversy. The Portuguese coach, who is now leading Wolves in the Premier League, has had a career spanning multiple countries, but one of his most infamous moments came during his brief stint in Brazil with Corinthians. His remarks about Liverpool during that period caused outrage among the club’s passionate fanbase and ultimately contributed to his swift exit.
As Wolves prepare to face Liverpool at Anfield this week, it’s worth revisiting this incident, especially given Pereira’s past admiration for the Reds. While there’s no indication that Liverpool ever seriously considered him as a managerial candidate, his comments at the time certainly suggested that he saw himself at the club one day. However, the way he expressed that desire—while actively managing Corinthians—was a PR disaster that alienated both fans and media in Brazil.
The Controversial Comments That Sparked Outrage
Back in 2022, Pereira was managing Corinthians, one of Brazil’s biggest clubs, when he made an offhand remark that enraged supporters. Following a 1-1 draw against São Paulo, he was asked about a tactical decision regarding forward Roger Guedes. Instead of giving a straightforward response, Pereira took an unexpected turn, stating, “If you ask me, I wanted to coach Liverpool, with all the respect I have for Corinthians.”
It was an odd and poorly timed comment. While managers often have aspirations to work at bigger clubs, publicly admitting such a desire—especially while in charge of a team with as devoted a following as Corinthians—was seen as a blatant lack of respect. In football, where passion and loyalty mean everything, a coach essentially saying, “I’d rather be somewhere else,” is never going to go down well.
The backlash was immediate. Corinthians fans felt betrayed, and the Brazilian media piled on, calling Pereira’s remarks inappropriate and questioning his commitment to the club. Given the already intense scrutiny that comes with managing in Brazil, the fallout from his statement made his position untenable.
A Short-Lived Stay and a Bitter Exit
Pereira lasted just 10 months at Corinthians before departing for Flamengo, a move that further soured his reputation among the fans. To make matters worse, after he left, Roger Guedes—who had been benched during Pereira’s tenure—publicly admitted that the squad was “happy that he was leaving.” That level of animosity within a dressing room speaks volumes about how fractured the relationship had become.
His brief and turbulent time at Corinthians is a stark contrast to the job he has now at Wolves, where he is tasked with keeping the club competitive in the Premier League. But with a trip to Anfield coming up, it wouldn’t be surprising if journalists revisit his Liverpool comments, especially if Wolves manage to make things difficult for Jürgen Klopp’s side.
What This Means for Wolves vs. Liverpool
Pereira’s past remarks won’t play a direct role in this weekend’s fixture, but they add an interesting layer to the narrative. Wolves are major underdogs against Liverpool, who are pushing for another Premier League title under Klopp. A win for Wolves would be a huge statement and a fitting way for Pereira to show his ability on a big stage—perhaps even reminding Liverpool fans of his past admiration for their club.
However, it’s safe to say that his infamous comment about wanting the Liverpool job hasn’t done him any favors in terms of public perception. While Wolves fans may appreciate his blunt nature, Liverpool supporters—along with Corinthians fans—probably see him in a very different light.
If nothing else, this game gives Pereira a rare chance to go up against the club he once said he wanted to manage. Whether he can mastermind a shock result remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that he’ll approach the match with the same outspoken confidence that has defined his career so far.