Wolves boss Pereira ” defends Cunha after red card after….

In a dramatic FA Cup fifth-round match, Wolverhampton Wanderers faced a narrow defeat against Bournemouth, losing 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw that extended into extra time. Despite the loss, Wolves’ manager, Vítor Pereira, expressed immense pride in his team’s performance under challenging circumstances.

The match was intense, with Bournemouth initially taking the lead through Evanilson. Wolves responded with a spectacular 25-yard strike from Matheus Cunha, leveling the score. However, the game took a turn in extra time when Cunha was sent off following a violent altercation with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez. The incident involved a head-butt, punch, and kick, leading to his dismissal and potential suspension from upcoming crucial Premier League fixtures.

Pereira addressed the red card incident involving Cunha, acknowledging the player’s unique qualities and the high emotional stakes of the match. He admitted not witnessing the specific altercation but emphasized the importance of maintaining composure during such high-pressure situations. Pereira stated, “Matheus is a special player… In the end, what happens is not what should happen, but this is something that happens in football and we must deal with the situation.”

The manager also highlighted the numerous challenges his team faced during the match, including injuries to key players like Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Matt Doherty, and Marshall Munetsi, as well as yellow cards to João Gomes and Nélson Semedo. Despite these setbacks, Wolves remained competitive until the final penalty, showcasing resilience and determination. Pereira remarked, “It was a very tough game with a lot of limitations… In the end, we missed the penalty, but we competed and I’m proud of my players.”

Looking ahead, Wolves are set to face Everton in their next Premier League match. Cunha’s impending suspension poses a significant challenge, but Pereira remains optimistic about his squad’s depth and readiness. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the players available, stating, “We need to be ready to play with or without Cunha. We have players with different skills and qualities but we will be ready.”

Pereira’s unwavering support for his team and his balanced perspective on Cunha’s actions reflect his commitment to fostering resilience and unity within the squad as they navigate the remainder of the season.