Wolves Manager Gary O’Neil Discusses Job Security, Fan Feedback, and Player Expectations Ahead of West Ham Match

Gary O’Neil, the manager of Wolves, addressed the media in advance of the Premier League fixture against West Ham on Monday, scheduled for a 20:00 GMT kick-off. The following are the main points from his press briefing: O’Neil commenced by discussing his position’s stability, stating: “I don’t think about me personally. I think for the team and where we are in the league. The last two results have let us down from the momentum we created. There is a lot in the last two games that the group need to take on and learn from very quickly if we want to have a chance of being more competitive and more consistent.” When questioned about whether he would still be managing the team for Monday’s match, he responded: “I can only keep going until things change. As far as I am aware, I took training this morning, players that started have recovered, players that didn’t play have trained.” O’Neil stated that the ‘sacked in the morning’ chants “don’t hurt” him personally, considering “criticism is part and parcel” of his profession. However, he expressed being “disappointed” for the supporters. He further commented: “I understand how much it means to them every weekend. I know how much they give. Time, travel, money.” O’Neil affirmed that his squad “definitely have the courage and the fight” to improve their displays, but acknowledged an excessive number of errors in recent fixtures. Regarding the team conceding the highest number of goals in the league, he remarked: “We demand better from them [the players]. The lads have to find a way to deal with the things in the moment.” He indicated that the away game against West Ham “will obviously feel huge,” yet emphasized that every match would carry a ‘must-win’ designation as long as the team occupies a spot in the relegation zone. Addressing the challenges ahead, O’Neil stated: “Wolverhampton Wanderers needs to stay in the Premier League, regardless of whether there are seven managers this season or whether it is me who takes it the whole way through. We need to find a way to keep this club in the Premier League.” He mentioned that “he hadn’t even considered” if Julen Lopetegui would remain the opposing manager in the dugout, given that Lopetegui is also under increasing pressure. O’Neil further remarked: “They have been in poor form, of course they have, but they go away to Leicester and have 30 shots. They have something there to work with.”