"They start to understand what we demand" - Vitor Pereira laying foundations to improve Wolves
Wolves boss Vitor Pereira believes the distraction of the transfer window impaired his side's ability to 'connect' and he now hopes to build the foundations that will lead to greater success.
The club lost Matheus Cunha, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Nelson Semedo and Pablo Sarabia this summer - alongside some other fringe players - and eventually welcomed six new signings, spending more than £100million but still making a small net profit.
Most of Wolves' signings came later in the transfer window once the season had already begun, while players such as Jorgen Strand Larsen were attracting interest from other clubs.
Pereira has welcomed the end of the transfer window - as he believes the uncertainty over players' futures has not helped his cause to build relationships in the squad.
"When you feel you are working with the players and they don't know what will happen, if they stay or if they go, it's very difficult to connect them," the head coach said.
"Not only tactically, but emotionally and mentally.
"Now, we know. This is the squad and they know they will compete for the position.
"They start to understand what we demand from them and this is the time to start working hard to build what we need to build."
Pereira was keen to bring in more competition and address the 'balance' in his squad, which he believes he has achieved in the transfer window despite being unable to sign a new midfielder.
Despite that, he is adamant that his new signings will need time to adjust to the Premier League and that it is unrealistic to expect them to perform straight away.
"We cannot expect that when you go for players in other leagues that in one day or one week they will be ready to compete in the Premier League," Pereira said.
"The Premier League is a different league, they need the time to understand what we want.
"We need to create the emotional connections between them.
"The player doesn't arrive and is ready to be themselves, this is not the reality.
"I believe that the squad has balance and the new players need time to be at their best level, to show the qualities that they showed in different leagues.
"Now it's the Premier League and they need work. I believe in hard work, I'm a hard worker and I know I will find the solutions, but I need some time."
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