Wolves Back Gary O'Neil Despite Tough Start; Set-Piece Coach Sacked

Wolves Continue to Back Coach Gary O'Neil Amidst Challenges

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reaffirmed their support for head coach Gary O'Neil, even as the club finds itself at the bottom of the Premier League table. Following a disappointing 5-3 defeat against Brentford, O'Neil described the match as the club's worst performance since he took over at Molineux in August 2023.

Challenges Faced this Season

O'Neil, who signed a new contract in the summer after an impressive first season, now faces the daunting task of turning around a team that has managed to win just one out of their first seven league games. Their struggles are underscored by a troubling defensive record, having conceded 21 goals so far, the most in the league.

The Road Ahead: Tough Fixtures Await

The club's challenging start to the season includes losses to formidable opponents such as Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Liverpool. After the upcoming international break, Wolves will be tested further with matches against Manchester City and Brighton. Sporting director Matt Hobbs emphasized that while frustration over results is shared, there is a concerted effort to support O'Neil and the coaching staff to improve the team's performance.

Changes in Coaching Staff: Departure of Set-Piece Coach

Amidst the upheaval, Wolves have made a notable staff change, parting ways with set-piece coach Jack Wilson. Having joined the club this past summer after successful stints at Manchester City and Brentford, Wilson's departure was described as a mutual decision between him and the club's hierarchy.

An Ineffective Strategy

Wilson's exit comes after Wolves conceded from set pieces in five of their seven Premier League games without scoring from any set-piece situation themselves. Currently, the club has no immediate plans to replace him.

Captain's Support for O'Neil

Amidst the struggles, Wolves captain Mario Lemina has stepped up to defend O'Neil, declaring that only "liars and cheaters" would blame the coach for the team's poor form. Lemina acknowledged that poor defending could lead to relegation, highlighting the need for the team to turn things around swiftly.

Lemina's Confidence in O'Neil

Despite the swirling concerns, Lemina insists that O'Neil is not the problem. He praised the coach for his commitment to the team and stressed the importance of players reciprocating the support they have received. "The fans love him, and now it’s on us to give it back to him with our performance on the pitch," Lemina stated.

Conclusion

As Wolves navigate through a challenging season, the backing of Gary O'Neil remains strong, particularly from the players. With tough fixtures on the horizon and internal changes already underway, the team must rally together to find success before it’s too late.