After a tough 3-1 loss to Chelsea, Wolves manager Vitor Pereira had some strong words for forward Matheus Cunha. The incident that raised eyebrows was Cunha’s immediate exit down the tunnel at the end of the match without acknowledging the traveling fans. Pereira, visibly displeased, emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable, especially from a team captain.
“He’s a captain… I don’t like his body language.”
Pereira expressed his disappointment in Cunha’s actions, stating that he expects more from someone in a leadership role. “I want a captain to try to help the team with running, suffering and fighting together,” Pereira remarked. However, he also acknowledged understanding Cunha’s frustrations but made it clear that there are expectations to be met.
“I understand it now – next time I won’t understand.”
Cunha, who has been instrumental with 10 league goals for Wolves this season, has found himself in hot water before. He was recently suspended for two games and fined £80,000 by the Football Association due to an incident during a match against Ipswich Town where he elbowed a staff member and snatched their glasses. This unsportsmanlike conduct led to consequences for both Cunha and his former manager.
Following Gary O’Neil’s dismissal as manager and Pereira stepping into the role, changes have been swiftly implemented within the Wolves squad. One such change involves midfielder Mario Lemina, who requested not to play during their recent clash with Newcastle amid transfer speculations.
“For me, he is out until the end of the market…”
Lemina expressed his desire to leave the club during this transfer window. However, Pereira made it clear that as long as Lemina remains uncertain about his future at Wolves, he will not feature in any matches. Despite Lemina’s apology and willingness to contribute positively until a resolution is reached regarding his potential departure from the club, Pereira emphasized the importance of having players fully committed to the team’s objectives.
The situation surrounding Lemina underscores how player attitudes and uncertainties can impact team dynamics on and off-field performance. As Wolves navigate through these challenges amidst ongoing transfer talks and shifting player roles within the squad under new management, maintaining focus on collective goals becomes paramount.
Pereira highlighted that having players with unwavering commitment is crucial for achieving success on all fronts – be it on or off-field matters. With mounting pressure as they approach upcoming fixtures before the close of the transfer window and amidst Lemina’s uncertain status at Wolves after relinquishing his captaincy earlier in the season following an altercation with another player post-match – pivotal decisions lie ahead for both parties involved.
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