Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Vítor Pereira has publicly slammed Everton, accusing the Merseyside club of a significant 'lack of respect' concerning the scheduling of their upcoming Carabao Cup clash. The explosive comments add a layer of intense rivalry to what is now a highly anticipated double-header between the two teams.
A Tight Turnaround Sparks Fury
The core of the dispute lies in the punishingly quick succession of fixtures. The two sides are set to face each other at Molineux in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday, 24 October. Incredibly, they are then scheduled to meet again in the Premier League at the same venue just four days later, on Saturday, 28 October.
Pereira revealed that Wolves had proactively approached Everton with a proposal to adjust the timing of the cup tie to ease the physical burden on both squads. However, this gesture was reportedly rejected by the Toffees.
Pereira's Pointed Accusation
Speaking to the press, the Portuguese manager did not mince his words. 'We tried to speak with Everton to see if we could move the game, to have more time to recover for the Premier League game,' Pereira stated.
'They said no. For me, it’s a lack of respect for our team, for our club. It shows they don’t think about the players, they don’t think about the spectacle.' He emphasised that the tight schedule could compromise the quality of football in both matches, potentially leading to player fatigue and an increased risk of injury.
Premier League Priority vs. Cup Ambition
The situation highlights the classic club dilemma of balancing Premier League survival and ambition with a cup run. For Wolves, every point in the league is crucial, and having two high-stakes games against the same opponent in such a short window presents a major tactical and physical challenge.
Pereira's comments suggest he views Everton's refusal as a tactical ploy or a sign of disregard, setting the stage for a fiercely contested battle both on and off the pitch. The outcome of these two back-to-back matches could have significant implications for both managers and their seasons.
