Wolves boss championing competition to find right winning formula

Following a Carabao Cup win over Everton in which he made nine changes, Pereira made just one to take on Spurs as he kept faith with those that impressed against the Toffees.

One of those positions he stuck with was between the sticks as Sam Johnstone took over from Jose Sa, and Pereira is keen to have players fighting for their position.

"In every position," Pereira said when asked about goalkeeper competition.

"More important than if we start with Sa or Sam, we must go with the true spirit of a team.

"This is the time to think about the club. I believe everybody will have a chance to play in the team.

"We have two players for each position, now with Krejci playing as a midfielder after we needed a midfielder (in the transfer window).

"I think for every position we have at least two players with different qualities but at the level to compete and play."

When asked further about playing Johnstone over Sa, Pereira added: "The reason is because after the last game, I felt the team was there and I needed to give them confidence.

"They are competing for the position, Sa is competing with Daniel and Sam and the others are competing between them, but with a good spirit to be better, push each other and help the team.

"I had a conversation with everybody and they understand the situation and the decisions."

Pereira has also dropped star midfielder Andre twice already this season, leading to the Brazilian putting in two impressive displays last week.]

The head coach is delighted with how Andre has responded to that setback.

"Andre has played two games in a row at his level," Pereira said.

"He's a very important player.

"Tactically he's very consistent, he's intelligent and knows how to play as a six.

"He's trying to be at his best level.

"Not only Andre, but other players in the team, who last season performed at a high level.

"This season, they are trying to get their condition, physically, mentally and tactically. It's not only Andre.

"We need to understand that in football we don't have time, we need to increase our level and compete for our position every day.

"This is the way to go into the game and perform."