Ki-Jana Hoever feels like he’s got a new lease of life under Vitor Pereira and is enjoying every minute of pre-season under the head coach back at Wolves.
The Dutch defender last played for the Old Gold in March 2022, but added almost 100 appearances to his name across loans with PSV, Stoke City and Auxerre prior to returning for pre-season under the new guidance of Pereira.
The 23-year-old has found himself heavily involved in pre-season this summer, providing an assist against Burnley last weekend and playing at both right-back-back and right centre half at Stoke on Saturday, and the youngster is determined to take his fresh opportunity.
On another pre-season test
“It was good, good minutes in the legs, and it was a blow for everybody. It's pre-season, so we’re making sure our bodies get ready. We had a trip to Portugal, and it was good. We played two games there, but this was the first test in a stadium with fans, and I think was OK.
“I’ve loved every minute of it so far, just to be playing with the boys, getting my opportunity. I'm in a good mind space. Mentally, I'm good, ready to give my all every time, and that's all I can do.”
On returning to the Wolves fore
“It’s a new manager for me, obviously, and it's been good so far. I enjoy working with the team, but also with the staff. They really try to get me to the next level. I feel like they really gave me an opportunity this time and I’m trying to do well. I think this coach and the way we want to play suits me. So, hopefully I can be involved.
“He [Pereira] just tries to improve me as a player. That's the most important. Obviously, it’s still early in pre-season, but he gives me a chance to show myself and I'm trying to do my best and take it.”
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On a new lease of life under Pereira
“I really love to work with him and with the staff. They just want to help me become a better player. I hope I can be important for them as well, for the club. I obviously know I've been away for some years, but for me it’s a big opportunity.
“I feel like when I came here when I was 18 years old, it was a long time ago. I was still really young, and I’ve developed a lot as a person, as a player, becoming an adult, and I feel like I'm ready, and hopefully I can show the staff, the Gaffer, but also the fans, the club.”
On playing different roles
“I feel like I'm a wing back. I think he sees that as well. But he spoke to me in half-time and asked if I could play as a third centre back and obviously the way we play, I think it's also something I can do, and it's no problem for me.
“I think it's similar to what I did last season in a five so it's not a lot of really new things. Obviously, everything is just a level higher, and I've been used to that in the Premier League. It's been good, I feel comfortable at right wing back, and I feel like I can really contribute.”
