Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Vítor Pereira has given a candid interview to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, where he reflected on the personal and professional growth brought by a long career that has taken him across continents.
Having won league titles in Portugal, China and Greece, and coached in countries like Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, the 56-year-old claims these experiences have turned him into “a different coach” and a better man.
“I’m still passionate about football, but now I live to enjoy it, and that takes balance. Otherwise, it’s just suffering,” he said. “I’ve suffered a lot, but today I enjoy things more because I don’t dramatise as much. I see the positive side. I’m calmer. I would tell the Vítor Pereira of 20 years ago to be more sensible — but back then, it wouldn’t have helped,” he added with a smile.
The Wolves manager underlined that he now knows “exactly” what he wants and where he’s headed. For him, the most important growth came in the tougher moments: “That’s when we become stronger. I no longer dramatise. I’ve evolved a lot in communication. Travelling the world and dealing with people from different backgrounds helped me grow.”
Vítor Pereira also recalled his early days as a youth coach at FC Porto, an experience that paved the way for his first senior jobs at Ovarense, Espinho and Santa Clara. After two successful seasons with Santa Clara, he returned to Porto as André Villas-Boas’ assistant, before taking over and winning two league titles, including an unbeaten campaign.
“I became a football professional at Santa Clara, left teaching behind, and when Porto came calling, I didn’t even know André personally,” he shared.
Known for his tactical detail, Pereira now sees his role as one that shapes players beyond the pitch: “After working with me, my players could become coaches if they wanted,” he joked.
Now leading Wolverhampton in the Premier League, Pereira seems determined to make the most of this new chapter, carrying with him the lessons learned from years of coaching on four continents.
