Wolves Manager Gary O’Neil Affirms Unchanged Mentality Amidst Pressure

Gary O’Neil, who assumed the role of Wolves manager in August 2023, maintains that his “mentality won’t change” even as he faces scrutiny following the team’s difficult beginning to the 2024-25 season. Following Wolves’ 4-0 defeat against Everton on Wednesday, travelling fans directed chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” towards O’Neil. The loss at Goodison Park marked Wolves’ ninth defeat in the current Premier League season. With only two victories, the team currently occupies 19th position, having accumulated nine points from 14 matches. Although the season has been largely unsatisfactory, Wolves secured seven points in November, achieving two wins and a draw, which resulted in O’Neil’s nomination for Manager of the Month. O’Neil stated, “I can only keep going until things change,” adding, “I took training this morning and you won’t find anyone more hard working and professional than me.” He further commented, “The criticism is part and parcel. Maybe two weeks ago at Fulham [when we] scored four away everyone was happy to take the plaudits, but when it doesn’t go well you need to stand up. My mentality won’t change, I’ll always front up.” Wolves did not secure a win in their initial 10 matches of the season, achieving their first victory on 9 November with a 2-0 triumph over Southampton at Molineux. This was followed by a decisive 4-1 win at Fulham, though consecutive losses to Bournemouth and Everton have subsequently stopped any progress. Wolves’ next fixture is an away game against 14th-placed West Ham on Monday. West Ham’s manager, Julen Lopetegui, whom O’Neil replaced at Molineux, is also reportedly facing scrutiny. O’Neil commented, “We assume that Julen [Lopetegui] will be in charge and they have an incredible group of players, when you look at the attacking talent they have.” He added, “We go there and need to find a way to put in a performance like we did at Fulham.” O’Neil concluded, “Monday will feel huge but on Tuesday the next game will feel huge. I just try to make sure players are in the best place possible to give [their] best.” O’Neil, previously manager of Bournemouth, was appointed by Wolves only three days prior to the commencement of the 2023-24 season. He then challenged numerous forecasts of the club’s potential difficulties by guiding them to a 14th-place finish in the league. Furthermore, Wolves advanced to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, marking their most successful run in the competition since reaching the semi-finals during the 2018-19 season. O’Neil reflected, “I came in at what felt like a tough time,” adding, “There were some special moments in there [last season] where we put results on the board and were never in danger of being in a relegation fight. To have been united with the fans was a special season for me. “Of course, this one has been difficult and I understand their concerns and criticism of the results, but I guarantee we are doing everything we can.”