Wolverhampton Wanderers are standing by their manager Gary O’Neil despite a challenging start to the 2024/25 Premier League season that has left them at the bottom of the table. After a 5-3 defeat to Brentford, a match O’Neil described as the team’s worst performance since his arrival at Molineux, Wolves’ hierarchy has reiterated their full support for the under-pressure manager. Despite losing six of their opening seven league games, the club remains confident that O’Neil is the right person to lead them out of their current struggles.
A Rocky Start to the Season
Wolves have endured a difficult opening to the season, managing just one win in their first seven games. The heavy defeat to Brentford has left them languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table, a far cry from the solid performances seen in O’Neil’s first season in charge. O’Neil, who was appointed in the summer of 2023 and guided Wolves to a respectable mid-table finish last season, has struggled to replicate that success in the current campaign.
Speaking after the Brentford match, O’Neil did not mince his words, expressing his disappointment with the team’s lackluster display. “That was the worst performance since I arrived at this club,” he said, reflecting on a game in which Wolves were defensively vulnerable and struggled to control the midfield.
Despite these challenges, Wolves’ board and ownership group remain convinced that O’Neil can turn things around. Having signed a new contract in the summer, O’Neil is seen as a long-term project manager who can stabilize the club and lead them back to better results.
Wolves’ Faith in Gary O’Neil
The decision to stand by O’Neil, despite the early-season struggles, is a testament to the belief the club’s leadership has in his abilities. Wolves made a significant commitment to O’Neil when they handed him a new deal in the summer, signaling their intent to build a project under his leadership.
Wolves’ poor start is certainly cause for concern, but O’Neil has been working diligently to address the issues plaguing the squad, including defensive frailties and a lack of consistency in midfield. While results have been disappointing, there have been glimpses of promise, particularly in attack, where Wolves have scored in most of their matches, showing that the team is capable of creating opportunities.
O’Neil’s track record, including his ability to navigate a difficult situation in his first season, has earned him credit within the Wolves boardroom. The club believes that O’Neil’s experience, resilience, and footballing acumen will eventually help the team recover from their poor start.
Defensive Issues and Tactical Adjustments
One of the most pressing concerns for Wolves this season has been their defensive record. Conceding five goals against Brentford was a reflection of deeper issues that have surfaced in their opening fixtures. Wolves have struggled to keep clean sheets and have often been undone by defensive lapses and set-piece vulnerabilities.
O’Neil is well aware of the need for tactical adjustments, particularly in how the team defends as a unit. In his post-match comments, he admitted that Wolves have been far too open at the back, allowing opponents to exploit spaces in critical areas. “We need to tighten up defensively. We’ve been conceding too many easy goals, and that’s something we have to fix if we’re going to climb up the table,” he stated.
However, O’Neil also pointed to the team’s attacking potential, noting that Wolves have shown they can score goals, but the balance between attack and defense has not been right so far. “We’re creating chances, but we’re giving away too many at the other end. We need to find the right balance,” he added.
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