Wolves boss Vitor Pereira has warned star Matheus Cunha that he’ll be less understanding ‘next time’ following the Brazilian’s behaviour against Chelsea.
Cunha, who’s been linked with a January move to Arsenal, appeared to storm down the tunnel instead of acknowledging Wolves‘ travelling supporters after Monday’s 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge. Goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella and Noni Madueke rendered Matt Doherty’s first-half equaliser a mere consolation.
It was a frustrating night for Cunha, who was restricted to just one half-chance and allegedly didn’t join his team-mates who walked over to Wolves’ travelling fans. Boss Pereira, whose side have lost their last three Premier League games, conceding three goals on each occasion, wasn’t pleased with his striker’s behaviour and body language during the game, suggesting that transfer speculation had got inside his head.
“This is something that cannot happen again, the frustration is the frustration, I understand everything, we need to be together,” Pereira affirmed.
“And together we can fix the problems and stay in the Premier League, if we start to complain about this and that, with this it won’t work. He’s [Cunha] committed to Wolves, but when you start to listen to the other clubs, I think he’s human, the players start to be a little bit… It’s normal in football.
“He needs to put the mind in the target to increase his level. He comes from injury, it’s normal he’s not in the same level to help the team with his quality. He has a lot, the team needs him with good energy, not with frustration, he must slow down and put the mind in the right way.
“He’s a captain. He can be frustrated as he wants to win but everyone in the dressing room wants to win. I don’t like his body language. I understand it now, I won’t understand it next time.”
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Two minutes before midnight, Cunha posted on social media to deny claims that he’d ignored fans.
Pereira’s comments come while Wolves look to close a deal for a new contract for their star man. Molineux chiefs don’t want to sell their star man this month, having stumped up £44million to sign him permanently from Atletico Madrid in 2023. It had been verbally agreed, but now Mirror Football understands the player’s agent is looking to move the goalposts on the deal – as he eyes a potential transfer opportunity this month.
Manchester United are reportedly long-time admirers of the Brazil international but their financial situation has put the buffers on any move. Arsenal, however, have funds and are in dire need of a new forward following injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus and have asked for details on Cunha’s situation.
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