Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Fer Lopez has criticised Vitor Pereira for how he was used during his early months at Molineux.

The 22-year-old is currently preparing to return to the starting lineup for Wolves' Championship fixture against Cardiff City on Saturday afternoon.

With five goals and three assists from 11 appearances, the Spain Under-21 international has established himself as Wolves' star player.

However, it was a different story in 2025-26, with Lopez barely making an impression in the Premier League after joining from Celta Vigo.

Speaking in an interview with The Telegraph, Lopez claimed that Pereira did not allow him to adapt to life in England in an effective way.

Lopez critical of Wolves start

Lopez suggested that he was essentially 'thrown to the lions' by the club's former head coach.

He said: "It didn’t benefit me playing so little and then starting a game. It was like throwing me to the lions a little bit.

"You can’t put me on for 20 minutes and then start me in the next game, because I wasn’t ready to start.

"It was the first time I’d left home and I needed to adapt to the league. I can only adapt by playing, but by playing wisely."

He made three substitute appearances across Wolves' first four Premier League games, before lasting 45 minutes in a 3-1 defeat to Leeds Unied.

His only other top-flight start came under Rob Edwards in December, with Wolves losing 2-0 to the Bees.

Tough Wolves start for Lopez blessing in disguise

Lopez's struggles at Wolves convinced the English club to allow him to return to former club Celta Vigo on loan.

Making 23 appearances, including six in the Europa League, enabled him to elevate his game prior to his return.

He naturally has a growing list of admirers both in England and Spain, but Lopez is motivated to guide Wolves to an immediate return to the Premier League.

Having committed to a £21.3m deal, Wolves would not consider a sale unless they are stand to make a mammoth profit.