Wolves boss O'Neil says 'mentality won't change'

Manager Gary O'Neil took charge of Wolves in August 2023

Wolves manager Gary O'Neil insists his "mentality won't change" despite being under pressure after a poor start to the 2024-25 season.

Travelling supporters chanted "you're getting sacked in the morning" at O'Neil as Wolves slumped to a 4-0 loss at Everton on Wednesday.

That defeat at Goodison Park was Wolves' ninth of the Premier League campaign and with only two wins they are in 19th place with nine points from 14 outings.

Despite a largely disappointing term, Wolves did pick up seven points in November through two wins and a draw, leading to O'Neil being nominated for Manager of the Month.

"I can only keep going until things change," O'Neil said.

"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 failed to win any of their opening 10 games of the season and had to wait until 9 November to record their first victory - beating Southampton 2-0 at Molineux.

An emphatic 4-1 win at Fulham followed but successive defeats against Bournemouth and Everton have halted any momentum.

A trip to 14th-placed West Ham is next up for Wolves on Monday, with Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui, who O'Neil succeeded at Molineux, also under the spotlight.

"We assume that Julen [Lopetegui] will be in charge and they have an incredible group of players, when you look at the attacking talent they have," 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."

Former Bournemouth manager O'Neil was appointed by Wolves just three days before the 2023-24 season and defied many predictions the club would struggle by leading them to 14th in the 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 said.

"There were some special moments in there [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 one has been difficult and I understand their concerns and criticism of the results, but I guarantee we are doing everything we can."

No easy choice here - analysis

Mike Taylor, BBC Radio WM

Gary O'Neil remains in his post despite reports Wolves are considering alternatives and the expectation of many supporters that the club should already have appointed one.

In time, we shall see whether this is an act of indecision or faith.

There is no easy choice here. Wolves travelled a similar path just two years ago, when they learned that a managerial change can fix a broken season, but it comes with substantial costs.

New managers are in a stronger position to demand new players - and the club has told us many times since then how conscious they are of those.

Simply changing the coach will not repair the squad's weaknesses or stop the unpredictable errors. Few things cost a club more money than a change of manager - relegation is one of them.