'I'm trying to understand' - Wolves boss on best position for struggling player

The club are working on bringing in a new midfielder and came close to signing Manu Silva before he chose to join Benfica.

Bellegarde has struggled since making his switch to Wolves in 2023 and has mostly played out wide, but Pereira admits he could be utilised centrally if Wolves' transfer window does not go to plan.

"I'm trying to understand," Pereira said when asked what Bellegarde's best position is.

"Bellegarde is a team player and I like his personality a lot.

"I'm trying to understand if he can play in the box as a forward or offensive midfielder, or in the two midfielders that we play.

"I'm trying to understand if he feels comfortable to play a bit higher or in the two positions in the middle.

"If nobody comes, I must push him to play as a midfielder in a two.

"In France he played in a three, which is different, because with three the spaces to cover are different than with two.

"This is what I'm trying to understand what he can do for us."

Midfielder Tommy Doyle has seen his minutes limited under Pereira, with the head coach concerned with his stature, as he seeks a physical midfielder addition.

The Englishman has been linked with a move away this month.

"Of course, I believe in my players," Pereira said when asked if the squad is good enough to survive relegation.

"With Tommy Doyle, I need to inflate him to be a little bit stronger, because he has the technical skills that I like.

"He has the spirit that I like. To play with three midfielders, he can play it easily.

"To play with two, he needs a bit more consistency. Consistency in the duels.

"This is something that we need to work with him.

"He has a fantastic spirit. Tommy is, every time, ready to help the team.

"If I ask him, 'Tommy, I need you as a goalkeeper', no problem. He will go there and try.

"This is the kind of personality I want."