Wolves manager latest: Cesar Peixoto announced as Rob Edwards replacement at Molineux Football News

Wolves have appointed Cesar Pixotto as their new head coach.

Peissotto replaces Rob Edwards on a two-year deal at Molineux after the controversial sacking of the previous boss last week.

The 46-year-old joined Portuguese club Gil Vicente, winning 16 of 46 matches in charge since joining in 2025.

Peixoto told the club’s website: “I’m proud to be at this big, historic club in England. It’s a big opportunity for me and I’m ready to do whatever it takes to take Wolves 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 in the team, create a strong identity in the club and help the team grow by showing my identity and my style of play.

“It’s an amazing club, and it’s important for me to let Wolves play in a way that reflects the fans. It’s a hard-working city with a lot of energy and a lot of passion and I want them to play an attacking game, good organization and a team that plays for the fans.

“I want the fans to be proud of our players, proud of the way we play and the way we fight game after game to win, and to achieve the main goal, which is to get Wolves back into the Premier League.”

Executive chairman Nathan Shea said: “We are delighted to welcome Caesars to Wolves.

“During our discussions with him, it became clear very quickly that he has many qualities that we believe are important to the future of this football club.

“We wanted a clear identity, strong leadership qualities and a real hunger to succeed. Cesar demonstrated all of those traits, but what impressed me most was his mindset, his work ethic and his willingness to take on the challenges before him.

“He is young, energetic and ambitious, but he is 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 creating at Wolves.”

‘Demanding’ Peisoto 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 quick return to the Premier League.

“First of all, 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 a unit and create a good atmosphere. It’s important to me, but I know very well what I want from the team. I want my team to be organized with and without the ball. Secondly, I want a team that has intensity and is aggressive and can win duels.

“The third is that I want to show the quality of the players. To play an attacking game and to press high. To try and be the protagonist of the game. I want to win games, but I want to win by playing good football. With passion and energy.

“(Supporters can expect) a team with ambition. A strong character and identity and a strong concept of the game. A team that never gives up trying to win three points and make the fans proud.

‘Edwards’ timing and approach come off as a shock’

Analysis Sky Sports’ Adam Butt:

Given that Rob Edwards won just three of his 27 Premier League matches in charge of Wolves last season as the club finished bottom of the table, his summer exit may not come as a huge surprise. But the timing and manner of his departure is still a shock.

Towards the end of the campaign, Edwards received abuse from supporters, particularly at home to Sunderland. Fans were outraged at his departure under the tunnel, previously saying he would always acknowledge them in the end.

At that point, the relationship was completely broken, but within weeks Molyneux’s mood had changed. The signing of former England international Kieran Trippier signaled intent and the return of club hero Raul Jimenez brought real joy.

Even now, Trippier’s words are on the 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,” Edwards himself declared.

Instead, unbeknownst to him and his staff, the move was made to fire the head coach, with Portuguese coach Cesar Pixotto lined up to replace him. Although many fans were displeased with Edwards, the reaction was one of uncertainty rather than excitement.

Retaining key midfielder Andre, as well as bringing in experienced players, appeared to be part of a positive but realistic approach to their Championship return. Edwards, with promotion experience at that level, seemed to fit that savvy strategy.

Hopefully Peixoto will also work. But also some concerns.

Peixoto is undoubtedly a gamble, abandoning the mantra the club had maintained for most of the year – one that Edwards, along with technical director Matt Jackson, had been planning for months to ensure Wolves were ahead of the game this summer.

Wolves have had success with Portuguese coaches before, although Nuno Espirito Santo has had a more obvious pedigree than when he took them out of the Championship eight years ago. Hope it works too. But also some concerns.