đş Wolvesâ Pre-Season Problems Run Deeper Than Results After 1-1 Stoke City Draw
Wolverhampton Wanderers continued their pre-season with a 1-1 draw against Championship side Stoke City at the Bet365 Stadium, in a performance that, much like their previous friendlies, left fans feeling underwhelmed and unsure of what to expect heading into the new Premier League campaign.
While friendly fixtures are rarely about the final score, Wolvesâ ongoing pattern of underwhelming performances, coupled with glaring squad deficiencies and tactical growing pains under new head coach VĂtor Pereira, suggests the club is entering a crucial few weeks that may determine the course of their season before a competitive ball is even kicked.
đď¸ Another Friendly, Another Frustrating Display
Wolvesâ pre-season so far has been a mixed bag â not in terms of results, which have leaned towards the uninspiring, but in terms of cohesion, intensity, and readiness. The 1-1 draw against Stoke City followed similar results against Burnley and Portuguese side CD Santa Clara. In each match, Wolves struggled to assert themselves against beatable opposition, with long stretches of stagnant build-up play, sloppy defending, and an overall sense that the team is still far from a finished product.
There is, of course, an understanding that a new manager like Pereira needs time to impose his style. Known for preferring structured possession, tactical fluidity, and defenders comfortable with the ball at their feet, Pereira has a clear footballing vision. But whatâs increasingly evident is that the current squad â unbalanced and understrength â might not be built to execute it effectively without further reinforcements.
đ Emmanuel Agbadouâs Struggles: A Symptom of a Bigger Problem
Perhaps the most notable moment of the match came not from a goal or a moment of attacking brilliance, but from a pair of sloppy touches by defender Emmanuel Agbadou, which nearly gifted Stoke a scoring opportunity. Typically composed and commanding, Agbadou appeared hesitant and out of rhythm, miscontrolling the ball twice under little pressure. These errors werenât just frustrating â they directly contradicted the type of composed, progressive build-up Pereira is demanding from his defenders.
According to Express & Star journalist Liam Keen, who was in attendance, Pereira was visibly furious on the touchline. After Agbadouâs second slip-up, the coach screamed instructions and gestured animatedly, urging the Ivorian centre-back to move the ball quicker and cut out the unnecessary risk-taking in deep areas. Agbadou, to his credit, acknowledged his mistake mid-match, raising a hand in apology â a rare sight from a player usually considered a steady presence.
This isolated incident, however, points to a much broader concern. If one of Wolves’ most reliable defenders is looking out of sync in a system that demands sharp passing and precise decision-making, then questions must be asked about the preparedness of the entire defensive unit. And given the lack of quality in certain areas, Pereira may not have many other options to fall back on.
đ Defensive Instability: No Clear First-Choice Back Five
One of the clearest problems facing Pereira as the new season approaches is the lack of an obvious, cohesive back five. Under former managers, Wolvesâ defensive identity was typically well-defined â a disciplined, compact back line with wing-backs providing width and energy. But after key departures and limited incoming transfers, the current defensive group looks both thin and uncertain.
đĄď¸ Centre-Backs:
Emmanuel Agbadou and Toti Gomes seem the most likely pairing in central defence. Both are physically strong and solid aerially, but their distribution under pressure â a key part of Pereiraâs strategy â still needs polish.
Yerson Mosquera has impressed at times, but his lack of Premier League experience makes him a gamble in key fixtures.
Matt Doherty, though typically used as a wing-back, has filled in centrally when needed, but offers a more attacking profile than Pereira may want in a central role.
đ Wing-Back Dilemma:
Wolvesâ wing-back depth is extremely limited following the departure of Rayan AĂŻt-Nouri and the current absence of Nelson Semedo, who has yet to return from international duty or injury.
Ki-Jana Hoever is the most promising option, and his strong pre-season might earn him a chance to stay and fight for a starting role.
Hugo Bueno, Pedro Lima, and Rodrigo Gomes all offer exciting, forward-thinking options â but the catch is that none of them have significant Premier League minutes under their belt.
This combination of youth, inexperience, and lack of chemistry is a dangerous cocktail in a league as ruthless as the Premier League. Unless Wolves can find clarity and settle on a starting back five soon â or bring in more experienced reinforcements â the team risks entering the season without defensive stability.
đ§ Missed Targets, Thin Squad: The Transfer Market is Now Critical
Despite Pereiraâs clear tactical intentions, Wolvesâ activity in the summer transfer window has been underwhelming to say the least. Only two signings have been made so far, and neither fills the major voids in the squad â particularly out wide and in defence.
In fact, Wolves have been close but unlucky on more than one front. They reportedly lost out on Marc Pubill, a talented young full-back, at the final stages of negotiations. Interest in Samuel Lino, another wide player capable of providing pace and energy in transition, also fizzled out. These failures in the market, compounded by the departures of key players, have left the squad looking dangerously light, especially in defence.
And with the season creeping ever closer, the pressure is now on sporting director Matt Hobbs and the recruitment team to deliver signings who can contribute immediately. Thereâs no longer time for long-term projects or development gambles. Wolves need ready-made reinforcements who can slot straight into Pereiraâs system â or they risk a slow and difficult start to the campaign.
đ§ Tactical Vision vs. Current Reality
VĂtor Pereiraâs ideas are not the issue. His track record across Europe shows he is capable of building stylish, possession-heavy sides that dominate matches through intelligence and movement. But there is often a steep learning curve when a new manager arrives, especially one who is asking players to perform unfamiliar roles and adopt unfamiliar tactical patterns.
Pereira wants his defenders to:
Play out from the back with precision.
Rotate fluidly between back three and back four shapes.
Offer overlapping width in attacking sequences.
Compress space aggressively when possession is lost.
At the moment, Wolves look uncomfortable in each of these phases. There are flashes of quality â especially from the likes of Joao Gomes in midfield and Pedro Neto further forward â but the team lacks the balance and rhythm that comes with having a settled, tactically-aligned defensive unit.
đŽ The Road Ahead: Urgency, Unity, and Upgrades Needed
With just a few weeks left before the season starts, Wolves face a pivotal period. VĂtor Pereira has shown that heâs a demanding coach who will not settle for mediocrity, but the tools at his disposal are not yet up to standard. If the club fails to strengthen in key areas â particularly in defence â Pereiraâs project could be undermined before it ever really gets started.
There are positives: the squad has some emerging talent, there is clear tactical ambition, and the team hasnât lost any pre-season game by more than one goal. But these silver linings must not be used to paper over deep cracks in the foundation.
Wolves donât need panic â but they do need action. Fast. Without it, the risk is that come the first whistle of the Premier League season, theyâll be stepping onto the pitch still asking themselves the most basic question:
Who is our best back five?