Wolves Manager Gary O’Neil Under Pressure After 4-0 Defeat to Everton

Following Wolves’ 4-0 loss to Everton, manager Gary O’Neil stated that his team was “‘nowhere near good enough'”. On Wednesday evening at Goodison Park, a chant of “”You’re getting sacked in the morning.”” was heard from a section of the stadium. This chant was directed at Wolves manager Gary O’Neil by his own club’s supporters. The Wolves boss observed from his technical area as his team suffered a 4-0 defeat to Everton, a result that intensified pressure and discontent among the fanbase. This performance and outcome are characteristic of those that have led to the dismissal of struggling managers in the past, suggesting O’Neil’s position is now precarious. At the conclusion of the match, the former Bournemouth manager approached the travelling supporters to applaud them, but he was met with widespread jeers from the displeased crowd. O’Neil commented, “”I go over there to see them because I appreciate every single one of the Wolves fanbase,”” adding, “”They have given me unbelievable support since I arrived at the football club.”” He continued, “”We managed to produce some unbelievable stuff last season – away at Chelsea, Tottenham and West Brom – with a team that was heavily tipped by most of the nation for relegation, but we were nowhere near it, ever.”” O’Neil further stated, “”We enjoyed that together, so now that it is tough I am happy to go over there and look them right in the face and take any criticism they want to throw at me. I accept responsibility for my part in that and that will not change how I feel about them and what they have given me over the last 15 months.”” Last season, his inaugural campaign, Wolves concluded in 14th place under Gary O’Neil. The chant referencing “getting sacked” was among several directed at the manager by the angered Wolves supporters, though it was noted as one of the more publishable ones. Furthermore, the Wolves fanbase exacerbated O’Neil’s difficulties by chanting about former manager Nuno Espirito Santo, currently managing Nottingham Forest. While Wolves finished 14th in O’Neil’s first season, 20 points clear of the Premier League relegation zone, this recent match appeared to signify a shift in sentiment against the manager, indicating a potential loss of fan support and a setback from which he might struggle to recover. Wolves conceded four goals, including two own goals from defender Craig Dawson, against a Toffees side that had not scored in their previous five games, dating back to 26 October. On Monday, Wolves are scheduled to play West Ham, whose manager, Julen Lopetegui – formerly at Molineux – is also facing considerable uncertainty regarding his future. If both managers retain their positions until then, the upcoming fixture is anticipated to be colloquially referred to as ‘El Sackico’. O’Neil stated, “”I understand how difficult this role is because I know every single detail at this football club and the dressing room, but that is my job, which is what I signed up for and what I need to do.”” He added, “”I will continue to take responsibility for all of my part on where we are at this moment. Whatever the fans may think of me and my team, there definitely isn’t anyone working harder to help their football club than me.”” O’Neil concluded, “”I will continue to do so until someone tells me not to.”” Wolves currently occupy 19th position in the league, three points away from a safe standing. Their nine defeats represent the highest number at this point in a top-flight season since 2010-11, a season in which they narrowly avoided relegation by a single point. The goals conceded against Everton bring Wolves’ total to a league-high 36 goals from 14 games, which is six more than bottom-placed Southampton. This also marks their highest concession rate at this early stage of a top-flight season since 1964-65, a year that saw them relegated after conceding 40 goals. When questioned about his suitability to lead the club, O’Neil responded, “”I will back myself in any role given to get the most out of the group.”” He acknowledged, “”I understand the drive for change from the supporters, you never know how many of them it is or what percentage it is, but the negative noise is always the loudest.”” O’Neil concluded his remarks by stating, “”The playing group are still together and I still have a lot of things that I will try and do to given them a better chance than this evening.””