Yahoo Sports Pereira's 'sunny realism' well suited to challenges
"The result is a heavy result, for what we played in the game," said Vitor Pereira after a Monday night where Wolves had simultaneously managed to appear quite close to Nottingham Forest yet, at the same time, miles away from beating them.
Wolves lost by three, but could easily have scored more than that themselves. Forest's goalkeeper Matz Sels had much more to do than Jose Sa, yet from the moment they took the lead the visitors played with a quiet confidence. That is what a few wins do for you. The second half played out like a one-sided cup tie, when the plucky underdogs kept on swinging, but only hit fresh air.
Pereira's media appearances so far have projected a sunny realism - a positive outlook and talking up the ability of his players, while not denying the challenges. This feels like the right frame of mind to lead the club through the next few weeks.
There have been causes for optimism, even in the defeat by Forest. With a long list of absentees, including their most talented forward Matheus Cunha, they showed they could create clear chances, and the young wing-backs Pedro Lima and Rodrigo Gomes delivered pace, energy and crosses that deserved better results.
It is not being unfairly negative to note the strength of their next few opponents in the Premier League - Newcastle, Chelsea, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Liverpool - and say that Wolves could play well in all of those games and still lose. Any points from those, especially away from home, will feel as good as if they count double. Pereira's biggest challenge may be to keep heads up, in the team and stands. What we have heard so far suggests he will be up to that.
But the major difference between Wolves and most Premier League strugglers - and what should, despite all that has happened, be enough to keep them safe - is their ability to score goals.
This responsibility has rested chiefly with Cunha, but Jorgen Strand Larsen's performances have been increasingly encouraging. Yes, he ought to have taken more of his chances on Monday, but his efforts to join up Wolves' attacking players have become more effective.
With Larsen as a spearhead, Wolves can ask hard questions of any of the European contenders in the coming weeks - and could trip them up.
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