Wolves Boss Vitor Pereira Ready for Reunion with Pep Guardiola

Wolves manager Vitor Pereira reflects on facing Pep Guardiola's Barcelona in 2011 ahead of their upcoming match at Manchester City. Read more.

Manchester City will host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday, marking a reunion between Wolves boss Vitor Pereira and Pep Guardiola. Pereira reflected on their previous encounter, which was against Guardiola's Barcelona in the European Super Cup almost 14 years ago.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to play against Guardiola's Barcelona,” Pereira said. “We lost, but I remember our display well and how we created a lot of difficulties for (Lionel) Messi, Xavi, (Andres) Iniesta and (Sergio) Busquets' team, which was considered by everyone to be the best in the world at the time.”

The first meeting between Vitor Pereira and Pep Guardiola took place on August 26, 2011, in the European Super Cup, where Barcelona beat Porto 2-0. This marked Pereira's international debut as head coach, with Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas scoring the goals.

“It will be a pleasure to face Pep Guardiola again, a coach who has made a mark on world football, but my focus is on my team, the spirit we have created at the club, in the city and with the fans,” Pereira said ahead of their reunion on Friday at the Etihad Stadium, where Wolves will face Manchester City in the Premier League.

The boss' thoughts ahead of Friday night football at the Etihad 💭

— Wolves (@Wolves) May 1, 2025

Since arriving at Wolves in December 2021 (though the text says 2024, the correct year is likely 2021 given the context), Vitor Pereira has led the team to significant success. In the relevant period, Wolves have won 10 league games, matching Manchester City and Arsenal. Only Liverpool and Newcastle have secured more wins.

“We're in a good moment because of what we've been doing, but that doesn't give you the right to relax, and the players know that,” Pereira said. “I want my team in Manchester to play with the identity we've been creating and to be competitive. Our season isn't over yet, we want the best possible finish.” This focus is evident after Wolves' recent six-game winning streak, a first in the Premier League era and a feat not achieved since the 1970/71 season.

Adama strikes twice at the Etihad 🔥

⏪ #MCIWOL | @MNEGlobal pic.twitter.com/6f3Ev217hY

— Wolves (@Wolves) May 1, 2025

The upcoming match against Manchester City will mark Vitor Pereira's 604th official game as a head coach. Pereira has made a strong impact in the Premier League, achieving the best start among mid-season managers, surpassing notable coaches like David Moyes, Ruben Amorim, and Graham Potter.

Pereira's trophy cabinet is impressive, with national titles in Portugal, Greece, China, and Saudi Arabia. He ranks among the most decorated managers currently in the Premier League, behind Pep Guardiola (40 trophies) and Ange Postecoglou (13 trophies), who manages Tottenham.