Wolves midfielder Mario Lemina refuses to play and demands move
Vitor Pereira has revealed that Mario Lemina refused to play against Newcastle as he nears his Wolves exit.
The midfielder, who was stripped of the captaincy earlier this season by former head coach Gary O'Neil for disciplinary reasons, told Pereira he would not travel with the team to the North East the day before the 3-0 loss on Wednesday evening.
Saudi Arabian side Al Shabab have shown interest in the Gabon international as Wolves work on a deal to move him on, after the player told the club of his desire to leave.
"I can't bring a player that has come to me and said he doesn't feel in the mental condition to help the team." Pereira said.
"With this commitment, I cannot bring him.
"He wants to leave, this is something the club must solve.
"After the press conference (on Tuesday), he came to my office and said 'coach, I'm sorry, but I can't go because I cannot help the team'."
When asked if Lemina's behaviour is disappointing for a former captain and senior player in the dressing room, Pereira added: "I don't know what happened before me, but with this energy and this mentality, I don't need him.
"I prefer to play with another player and give a chance to a player that is committed to the team.
"I don't have anything against Lemina or any issues with him.
"He said to me that he wants to leave and he communicated this decision one month ago to the club.
"In this moment, I cannot bring a player without commitment."
Pereira also said he is not aware of any offers for Lemina this month, but it is understood the club are working to move him on before the window closes.
The 31-year-old missed the Bristol City FA Cup clash due to 'illness' and has only played once under Pereira, when Andre was unavailable against Nottingham Forest and Pereira asked the player to help the team.
When Lemina came on in that game he put in an apathetic performance in the 3-0 defeat.
Pereira is keen on bringing in a midfielder to replace Lemina this month, while the head coach has said they will also work on another defender to add to the signing of Emmanuel Agbadou.
"In my opinion, we need two more players," Pereira said when asked if Wolves need another defender.
"Let's see if it's possible, I will try my best."
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