For the first time in what feels like an eternity, there is a genuine sense of optimism and excitement pulsing through the veins of Wolves supporters. After several turbulent seasons filled with managerial upheaval, transfer missteps, and flirtations with relegation, Wolves fans finally have a leader at the helm who seems to embody both tactical sophistication and a clear long-term vision: Vítor Pereira.
Since his arrival at Molineux, Pereira has not just steadied the ship — he has revolutionized the entire atmosphere around the club. His appointment initially raised a few eyebrows; there were whispers that he was a gamble, that the Portuguese coach might not adapt quickly enough to the brutal demands of Premier League survival. But those fears have been emphatically laid to rest. Under his stewardship, Wolves have pulled themselves a remarkable 17 points clear of the relegation zone, and not through grinding out results with defensive, uninspiring football — but by playing a bold, aggressive, and forward-thinking brand of the game that has reinvigorated both players and fans alike.
Pereira’s Wolves side now exude the qualities that the supporters had been desperate to see return: intensity, resilience, tactical intelligence, and a fearlessness in possession. His impact has been so profound that pundits such as Jamie Carragher have gone on record praising his work, acknowledging that Wolves’ turnaround is one of the stories of the season — albeit one that hasn’t always captured the headlines it deserves.
With five consecutive Premier League wins under their belt, Wolves have not only secured their top-flight status with games to spare, but they have done so in a manner that has set a new benchmark for what should be expected moving forward. Vítor Pereira, ever ambitious, has made no secret of his belief that “big things” lie ahead for this club. And make no mistake: the work towards that brighter future has already begun.
The first major sign of that new direction will be visible this weekend, when Wolves host Leicester City in a fixture that promises to be far more significant than a standard end-of-season clash.
Why the Leicester Game Matters: Wolves’ First Steps Into a New Era
While Wolves are now free from the immediate pressures of a relegation battle, every match remains critical for Pereira. These final fixtures provide an opportunity to experiment, to embed new tactical ideas, and to begin building the core of the squad that will carry the club into next season.
And nowhere is this clearer than in Pereira’s impending decision regarding Matheus Cunha and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde.
It’s a decision that, on the surface, might seem tactical. But underneath, it represents so much more: a statement of intent, a glimpse of the club’s priorities, and a signal that Wolves are building a squad focused around players committed to the cause.
The Matheus Cunha Conundrum
Matheus Cunha is a player of obvious quality. His flair, dribbling ability, and eye for a spectacular goal have made him a fan favorite at times. However, this season has been increasingly overshadowed by persistent transfer speculation, with Manchester United strongly linked with a move for the Brazilian forward.
Cunha’s own behavior on social media — cryptic posts, suggestive comments — has only fueled the rumors. And while it’s understandable that players are ambitious, it leaves Wolves in a difficult position. Pereira must now ask: can he afford to build his team around someone whose mind may already be elsewhere?
Many supporters think not. Increasingly, there is a sentiment that loyalty and long-term commitment should outweigh fleeting moments of brilliance — especially at a club looking to lay solid foundations for the future.
Which brings us to Jean-Ricner Bellegarde.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde: The Rising Star Pereira Must Back
When Wolves signed Jean-Ricner Bellegarde from Strasbourg, there was cautious optimism about his potential. Yet, it is only under Pereira’s guidance that the Frenchman has truly come into his own.
Despite a slow start to life in England, Bellegarde has become one of Wolves’ most reliable performers this season. His energy, technical ability, and relentless work rate have added a completely different dimension to the team.
Consider these 2024/25 stats:
2 goals
6 assists
7 big chances created
84% pass completion rate
1.8 balls recovered per game
49% of ground duels won (2.8 per match)
Bellegarde isn’t just padding his numbers either — he is influencing matches at both ends of the pitch. His chance creation puts him in rare company: only a handful of Premier League midfielders, including the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, can claim similar productivity levels.
His pressing intensity and ball recovery rate have been particularly vital against stronger opposition, enabling Wolves to regain possession high up the pitch and transition quickly into dangerous attacking positions.
Bellegarde’s all-action style — pressing aggressively, winning challenges, picking clever passes — epitomizes the type of player Pereira wants to build his Wolves team around. Players who are not just technically gifted, but mentally fierce and physically relentless.
Moreover, when Bellegarde has started, Wolves have looked more cohesive. They defend from the front, maintain possession more effectively, and crucially, they look more like a team pulling in the same direction.
By contrast, Cunha — for all his individual brilliance — can at times feel disconnected from the team dynamic.
Building for the Future: The Mateus Mane Factor
Adding another layer of excitement is the potential debut of Mateus Mane, one of Wolves’ brightest academy prospects. Pereira has already hinted that the 19-year-old midfield dynamo could feature against Leicester, marking a significant moment for Wolves’ youth development strategy.
Mane’s rise through the academy ranks has been rapid, and those who have watched him closely speak glowingly of his technical quality, maturity on the ball, and willingness to do the dirty work in midfield — qualities Pereira highly values.
Integrating academy players like Mane alongside talents like Bellegarde signals a shift in Wolves’ priorities: no longer just surviving in the Premier League, but thriving, growing, and sustaining success through clever recruitment and internal development.
Predicted Wolves Starting XI vs Leicester City
If Pereira decides to fully embrace the future on Saturday, here’s how Wolves could line up:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: José Sá
Defenders: Nelson Semedo, Craig Dawson, Max Kilman, Rayan Aït-Nouri
Midfielders: João Gomes and Mateus Mane (double pivot)
Attacking Midfielders: Pedro Neto (right), Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (central), Pablo Sarabia (left)
Striker: Jorgen Strand Larsen
This setup would give Wolves technical security, defensive solidity, and dangerous attacking width. Most importantly, it would be a team built around players committed to the club’s journey forward.
Final Verdict: Why Pereira Must Choose Bellegarde
The decision to start Jean-Ricner Bellegarde over Matheus Cunha is about more than just one game. It’s about sending a message: Wolves are moving forward with players who are all in, who give everything on the pitch, who are desperate to succeed at Molineux.
It’s about rewarding commitment and building a new core of players — from Bellegarde’s relentless energy to Mane’s emerging brilliance — that Wolves can trust for the next five years, not just the next five games.
Pereira has proven himself a brave, visionary coach already. Choosing Bellegarde would be another bold step, but the right one — setting the tone for an exciting new era where Wolves are not just Premier League survivors, but genuine contenders for European places once again.
Saturday against Leicester is the first glimpse into the future of Wolverhampton Wanderers — and it is one Wolves fans should be immensely excited about.
Would you like me to also write a second extra piece that imagines how the fans would react after Bellegarde stars in the game?
(A bit like a matchday report full of excitement?)
It could make it even more complete!
Let me know!