Nelson Semedo interview: Wolves captain talks about Vitor Pereira's impact and how new coach has transformed the team
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Portuguese defender Nelson Semedo has been an integral part of the Wolves squad for several seasons. In a recent interview, he spoke about the work of coach Vitor Pereira and the impact he has had on the team, particularly in terms of changing their style of play and team performances. In this article, we delve into Semedo’s thoughts on the change in coach and how he has helped transform the atmosphere and performances at Wolves.
Vitor Pereira's central role in Wolves' transformation
Vitor Pereira, former coach of FC Porto and several other renowned European clubs, arrived at Wolverhampton with a well-defined plan to give the team a solid structure and a clear playing identity. Nelson Semedo acknowledged that Pereira's arrival coincided with a major change in the team's philosophy. The Portuguese coach has injected a new dynamic, focusing his approach on attacking and fluid football , while emphasizing a more controlled possession game .
Semedo underlines the importance of this change, explaining that Pereira has imposed strict tactical discipline , but also great freedom for attacking players. This combination has allowed Wolves to take more risks while remaining solid defensively, a balance essential to success in the Premier League.
Vitor Pereira's playing style: A mix of audacity and safety
Under Pereira, the team adopted a more direct game, based on rapid ball circulation and more fluid transitions . The coach insisted on the need for high pressing to recover the ball quickly and limit the opponent's counter-attacking opportunities. This allowed Nelson Semedo to shine more in attack, taking advantage of his speed to project himself forward, while remaining vigilant on the defensive side.
Pereira's tactical system is also designed to maximize the abilities of key players, such as Raul Jimenez , Adama Traoré , and Daniel Podence . Semedo mentions that the coach has ensured that all players adapt quickly to this demanding style of play, which has created a stronger cohesion within the group.
Players' rapid adaptation to the new tactical approach
One of the first difficulties the players encountered when Vitor Pereira arrived was understanding the subtleties of his tactical game. Semedo explains that the adaptation was gradual , but thanks to the intensive training sessions and constant communication from the coach, the team quickly assimilated the new demands. The video work was also essential for each player to understand their role and how they should interact with their teammates.
Semedo also stressed that Vitor Pereira emphasized the importance of reactivity . Wolves' game was geared towards constant pressing , which allowed the team to quickly recover the ball and immediately exploit gaps in the opposing lines. This philosophy not only transformed the performance of the attacking players, but also strengthened the defense by encouraging them to be more alert and organized.
Mental Transformation: More Than Just a Tactical Change
Beyond the tactical aspect, Nelson Semedo also speaks of a profound change at the mental level. The arrival of Vitor Pereira has given new motivation and confidence to the players , which has been decisive in the revival of Wolves. Semedo insists that the coach has been able to strengthen the collective mindset, emphasizing the need to always seek to win and never settle for the minimum.
This change in mentality has had a direct impact on the team's performances. The combination of a bolder tactical approach and a mental renewal has allowed Wolves to face bigger teams with a newfound sense of confidence. Semedo mentions that he now feels a greater solidity in the construction of the game , which allows the team to feel more confident on the pitch, especially in home games.
Key players and their development under Vitor Pereira
Nelson Semedo: A versatile defender under Pereira
Nelson Semedo, who has often been used as a right-back, has been particularly effective under Vitor Pereira. The coach has exploited Semedo's speed and agility to move him up the flank, while also asking him to cover the spaces left vacant in attacks. Semedo has been able to adjust his movements , combining his attacking and defensive roles with ease.
Vitor Pereira has also made sure to maximise Semedo's strengths , allowing him to focus on quick runs from deep and accurate crosses, whilst also enhancing his ability to drop back into defence when necessary. This has made Semedo a key part of Wolves' system, both as a defender and playmaker.
Raul Jimenez: The evolution of a goalscorer under Pereira
Raul Jiménez, Wolves' Mexican striker, has also seen his game evolve under Vitor Pereira. The coach has focused on intensifying the forward passing game , allowing Jiménez to find himself in goal-scoring positions more often. Wolves' attack has been more fluid and dangerous, with all the attacking players actively involved, including Adama Traoré and Daniel Podence , who have played a key role in the attacking animation.
Jimenez, for his part, has been able to take advantage of this dynamic style of play to score regularly, increasing his contribution to the team while strengthening Wolverhampton's position in the table.
A bright future for Wolves under Vitor Pereira
The arrival of Vitor Pereira marks a turning point for Wolverhampton. Thanks to his careful tactical approach and his work on the players' mentality, the Portuguese coach has already produced impressive results. Semedo is convinced that this is just the beginning , and that the team can still improve under Pereira's guidance. The Wolves captain firmly believes that the team has the capabilities to challenge the best teams in the Premier League and achieve good results this season.
Pereira's constant support for his players and his ability to give them the confidence to perform on the pitch are key elements in this revival. The Portuguese defender, along with his teammates, are now more confident in their game and ready to take on new challenges.
Conclusion: A team in full transformation
Vitor Pereira's impact on Wolverhampton is undeniable. Under his leadership, Wolves have shown a marked improvement in both tactical and mental terms. The transformation is visible, and Nelson Semedo, as captain, is at the forefront of this revival. With a more cohesive squad and a strengthened tactical approach, Wolverhampton could well surprise this season in the Premier League, under the inspiring leadership of Vitor Pereira.
