EFL pundit raises Cesar Peixoto concern at Wolves - new manager needed? | OneFootball

EFL pundit George Elek has shared his doubts over Cesar Peixoto despite his positive start to life as Wolves boss.

EFL pundit George Elek has questioned Cesar Peixoto despite Wolves picking up an important three points at Sheffield United on Sunday.

It has been a positive start for the Portuguese coach at Molineux, with Raul Jimenez’s stoppage time winner at Bramall Lane meaning they have collected 11 points from their opening six games.

However, Wolves haven’t always convinced this season, and whilst they restricted the Blades to very few clear chances, they couldn’t have had too many complaints if the game ended goalless.

Action Images

Cesar Peixoto comes under scrutiny at Wolves

Given the talent in the Wolves squad, some have been expecting more from the Old Gold in terms of performances, as, with the exception of the win at Preston, they haven’t always impressed over the full 90 minutes. Even in the 4-1 thrashing of Stoke, the visitors missed a glaring chance to go two up early on.

And, speaking on Not The Top 20 podcast, EFL pundit Elek explained that he still doesn’t see exactly what Peixoto is trying to do, as he suggested the individual ability is getting Wolves results at the moment.

“The five players that Wolves brought on were Jordan James, who still isn’t starting, Raul Jimenez, who scored the goal, Kieran Trippier, who is back from injury, Toti Gomes, who a lot of Wolves fans would consider is one of their better centre-backs, and Tommy Doyle. Their squad is just so good.

“But, I just cannot shake the idea that they don’t look particularly well-drilled, and that they look like a team that is fully reliant on individual quality in order to create.

“At this early stage, I’m just not really having Peixoto, and (I think) there are other managers who may have Wolves operating at a higher level, even though the points tally is okay. Having said that, if they hadn’t scored that last-minute goal, it would’ve been two points from three games.”

Cesar Peixoto still has a lot to prove at Wolves

This may seem a harsh assessment, but the reality is that Wolves do have a brilliant squad at this level, so you would expect better performances on the whole.

As well as that, Peixoto’s insistence on playing Marshall Munetsi ahead of James, or even Doyle, is quite baffling, as it’s limiting how Wolves can control games in the middle of the park.

Peixoto arrived at Molineux with a mixed record in Portuguese football, and, even in the Championship, this was a big jump for him from his previous role at Gil Vicente.

So, there is huge pressure on him to deliver promotion, and Wolves fans are still learning a lot about their new boss, but the majority won’t share the same concerns as Elek right now, even if they want to see more.

Action Images

Cesar Peixoto will expect Wolves improvement now he has a settled squad

It should also be said that Peixoto had to deal with a difficult summer transfer window, as there was so much speculation surrounding so many players in his squad.

There were major doubts over the futures of Jose Sa and Ladislav Krejčí, whilst injuries to Yerson Mosquera, and particularly Trippier, meant the defence was unsettled until the window shut.

Now, with Trippier returning, the defence will improve, and that can give a platform for the attacking quality to shine.

A return of 11 points from six games is impressive, and Peixoto will back his team to click into gear over the coming months.

If Wolves can get a win against fierce rivals West Brom going into the international break, it will certainly ensure he has more time with the fans and buy-in from the players, although a loss would mean he faces more questions.