Pereira on 'fighter' Larsen, relegation battle and Ipswich

Vitor Pereira has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game at Ipswich Town (kick-off 15:00).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

  • Pereira reported no fresh injury concerns and also confirmed Goncalo Guedes and Rodrigo Gomes, who were not involved in the win over West Ham, are fit.
  • On whether his side is now safe from being dragged into the relegation battle: "It's not over until the end. I've said it before - it's a league that can surprise you. Ipswich have the quality to fight for a lot of points. I feel my team is confident and consistent. For sure, we will compete. I never prepare my team to go to a game for a draw. We just want the three points." "
  • However, he added that the battle to avoid relegation will not be won even if Wolves win against Ipswich and move 12 points clear of safety.
  • On the potential of midfielder Joao Gomes who signed a new five-year contract earlier this week: "He is young, he has shown humility and he wants to learn and help. Tactically and technically, he can improve, but he has the spirit. He will have a fantastic career."
  • Pereira also had praise for striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, who scored the winner against the Hammers: "My striker must be a fighter and the responsibility is not only to score goals. He has this spirit and this character. I like him."
  • Pereira praised his counterpart Kieran McKenna's "fantastic work" at Ipswich, saying he had built a team with tactical ideas and good players.
  • He also described Ipswich striker Liam Delap as a "strong player", adding the Wolves defence must be fully focused to keep him quiet.

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[BBC]
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