Gary O’Neil: Wolves manager vows to maintain same mentality despite growing pressure
Wolves boss Gary O’Neill insists his “mentality will not change” despite the pressure following a poor start to the 2024-25 season.
As Wolves struggled, away supporters chanted “You’ll be sacked in the morning” at O’Neill. Lost to Everton 0-4 Wednesday.
The defeat at Goodison Park was Wolves’ ninth defeat in the Premier League, which leaves them in 19th place with nine points from 14 games with just two wins.
Although Wolves’ tenure has been largely disappointing, Wolves did pick up seven points in November with two wins and a draw, leading to O’Neill being named Coach of the Month.
“I just have to keep going until things change,” O’Neal said.
“I was at training this morning and you couldn’t find anyone who worked harder and was more professional than me.
“Criticism is essential. Maybe two weeks ago at Fulham (when we) scored four goals away from home, everyone was happy to accept the applause, but when things don’t go your way, you need to stand up. My mentality was not It will change, and I will always be at the forefront.”
Wolves were winless in their opening 10 games this season and did not register their first win until November 9, when they defeated Southampton 2-0 at Molineux.
The team then beat Fulham 4-1, but consecutive losses to Bournemouth and Everton brought the team’s momentum to an abrupt end.
Wolves travel to 14th-placed West Ham on Monday, with Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui, whom O’Neill succeeded at Molineux, also in the spotlight.
“We’re assuming Julen (Lopetegui) is going to be in charge and when you look at their offensive talent, they have an unbelievable group of players,” O’Neill said.
“We go there and need to find a way to perform like we did at Fulham.
“Monday will feel big, but then the next game on Tuesday will feel big as well. I just try to make sure the players are in the best position to perform at their best.”
Former Bournemouth boss O’Neill was appointed by Wolves three days before the start of the 2023-24 season, defying many predictions that the club would struggle as he guided Wolves to 14th in the league.
Wolves also reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, their best run since reaching the semi-finals in 2018-19.
“I came in during a tough time,” O’Neill said.
“There were some special moments[last season]where we put the results on the board and were never in danger of relegation. Being united with the fans was a special season for me.
“Of course it’s difficult and I understand their concerns and criticism of the results, but I promise we are doing everything we can.”
