Wolves manager Gary O’Neil insists his Wolves Premier League mentality won’t change, despite facing mounting pressure following a poor start to the 2024-25 season.
Travelling supporters directed chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” at O’Neil after Wolves slumped to a 4-0 loss at Everton on Wednesday. That defeat at Goodison Park marked Wolves’ ninth loss of the Wolves Premier League campaign, leaving them in 19th place with just nine points from 14 games.
Despite a disappointing start to the season, Wolves did show signs of improvement in November, collecting seven points from two wins and a draw, leading to O’Neil’s nomination for Manager of the Month.
“I can only keep going until things change,” O’Neil stated. “I took training this morning and you won’t find anyone more hard-working and professional than me.”
“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 endured a tough start to the Wolves Premier League season, failing to win any of their opening 10 games. They finally secured their first victory on 9 November, beating Southampton 2-0 at Molineux. A 4-1 victory at Fulham followed, but consecutive defeats to Bournemouth and Everton have stalled any momentum.
The next challenge for Wolves is a trip to 14th-placed West Ham on Monday, with Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui, who O’Neil succeeded at Molineux, also facing scrutiny.
“We assume that Julen [Lopetegui] will be in charge and they have an incredible group of players, especially their attacking talent,” O’Neil said. “We go there and need to find a way to put in a performance like we did at Fulham.”
“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, who was appointed by Wolves just three days before the 2023-24 season began, defied many predictions that the club would struggle, leading them to 14th place in the Wolves Premier League. Wolves also reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, their best run since making it to the semi-finals in 2018-19.
“I came in at what felt like a tough time,” O’Neil reflected. “There were some special moments 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 season has been difficult, and I understand the concerns and criticism of the results, but I guarantee we are doing everything we can,” he added, emphasizing his commitment to improving the Wolves Premier League campaign.
