Wolves have appointed Cesar Peixoto as their new head coach.
Peixoto replaces Rob Edwards on a two-year deal at Molineux after the previous boss was controversially sacked last week.
The 46-year-old joins from Portuguese club Gil Vicente, having won 16 of 46 games in charge since joining in 2025.
Peixoto told the club’s website: “I’m proud to be here at this big, historic club in England. It’s a big opportunity for me and I’m prepared to do everything to put Wolves where it belongs in the Premier League.
“We have great players, but I think the team can improve a lot with me and I can improve as a technical head coach. I want to put my identity onto the team, build a strong identity at the club and also help the team to grow by showing my identity and my way of playing.
“This is an amazing club, and it is important for me to make Wolves play in a way which reflects the fans. It’s a hard-working city with a lot of energy and a lot of passion, and I want them to see a team which plays an offensive game, with good organisation and a team who play for the fans.
“I want the supporters to be proud of our players, be proud of the way we play and the way we fight game after game to bring the victory, and to achieve the main aim, which is to put Wolves back in the Premier League.”
Executive chairman Nathan Shi said: “We are delighted to welcome Cesar to Wolves.
“Throughout our discussions with him, it became clear very quickly that he possesses many of the qualities we believe are important for the future of this football club.
“We wanted clear identity, strong leadership qualities and a real hunger to succeed. Cesar demonstrated all of those characteristics, but what impressed me most was his mentality, his work ethic and his willingness to embrace the challenge in front of him.
“He is young, energetic and ambitious, but he is also thoughtful, accountable and willing to challenge himself and those around him in pursuit of improvement.
“We believe he will be an excellent fit for the culture and vision we are building at Wolves.”
‘Demanding’ Peixoto ready to give Wolves players freedom
Speaking in his first interview with the club’s media, Peixoto explained his plans to hand freedom to his players as they look to make a swift return to the Premier League.
“Firstly, I’m a very demanding coach,” he said. “But, I believe in giving others maximum freedom and maximum responsibility.
“I want us to work as a team and as a unit and build a good environment. This is important to me, but I know very well what I want from the team. I want my team to be organised with and without the ball. Secondly, I want a team with intensity and to be aggressive and win duels.
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Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge tracks the gradual decline of Wolves following confirmation of their relegation to the Championship, and explains why they have hope of an instant return to the Premier League under Rob Edwards.
“The third one is I want to show the quality of the players. To play an offensive game and to try and press high. To try and be the main character of the games. I want to win games, but I want to win while playing good football. With passion and energy.
“[The supporters can expect] a team with ambition. A strong character and identity and a strong idea of the game. A team that never gives up to win three points and to try and make the fans proud.
‘Timing and manner of Edwards exit a shock’
Analysis Sky Sports’ Adam Bate:
Given that Rob Edwards won only three of his 27 Premier League matches in charge of Wolves this past season as the club finished bottom of the table, his summer departure might not seem a big surprise. But the timing and manner of his exit is still a shock.
Towards the end of the campaign, Edwards was on the receiving end of abuse from supporters, most notably at home to Sunderland. Fans were aggrieved at his departure down the tunnel, having previously said he would always acknowledge them at the end.
Rob Edwards’ record at Wolves
At that stage, the relationship appeared utterly fractured, but the mood at Molineux has changed in a matter of weeks. The signing of former England international Kieran Trippier signalled intent and the return of club hero Raul Jimenez brought genuine joy.
Even now, Trippier’s words are on Wolves’ website, revealing how he “felt that chemistry straight away with the manager” – meaning Edwards. “I don’t think we could have had a better start to the summer with what we’re trying to do,” declared Edwards himself.
Instead, unbeknownst to him and his staff, moves were afoot to sack the head coach, with Portuguese coach Cesar Peixoto lined up to replace him. While many fans were unimpressed with Edwards, the reaction is one of uncertainty rather than excitement.
Bringing in experienced players, along with holding on to key midfielder Andre, appeared part of a positive but pragmatic approach to their Championship return. Edwards, with his experience of promotion at that level, seemed to fit in with that sensible strategy.
There will be optimism Peixoto will work too. But some concerns as well.
Peixoto is undeniably a gamble, abandoning the mantra that the club had maintained for much of the year – that Edwards, along with technical director Matt Jackson, had been planning for months to ensure that Wolves were ahead of the game this summer.
Wolves have had success before with coaches from Portugal, although Nuno Espirito Santo had rather more obvious pedigree when he took them up from the Championship eight years ago. There will be optimism this will work too. But some concerns as well.
