Wolves coach Gary O'Neil insists his “mentality won't change” despite being under pressure after a poor start to the 2024-25 season.
Traveling fans chanted “You'll be sacked tomorrow morning” at O'Neil as the Wolves slumped 4-0 defeat at Everton on Wednesday.
That defeat at Goodison Park was Wolves' ninth of the Premier League season and just two wins leave them in 19th place with nine points from 14 games.
Despite a largely disappointing reign, Wolves picked up seven points in November with two wins and a draw, which led to O'Neil being nominated for Manager of the Month.
“I can only keep going until things change,” O’Neil said.
“I attended training this morning and you won’t find anyone more hardworking and professional than me.”
“Criticism is an integral part. Maybe two weeks ago at Fulham.” [when we] He scored four goals away. Everyone was happy about the praise, but when things aren't going well, you have to stand up. My mentality won't change, I'll always be at the forefront.
Wolves failed to win any of their first ten games of the season and had to wait until November 9 to record their first win – a 2-0 win against Southampton at Molineux.
A comfortable 4-1 win at Fulham followed, but successive defeats against Bournemouth and Everton dashed any momentum.
Next up for Wolves is a trip to 14th-placed West Ham on Monday, with Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui, who O'Neil succeeded at Molineux, also in the spotlight.
“We assume that Julen [Lopetegui] “We're going to be in charge and they have an incredible group of players when you look at their attacking talent,” O'Neil said.
“We go there and we have to find a way to produce 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 the players are in the best possible situation they can be.” [their] preferably.”
Former Bournemouth manager O'Neil was appointed by Wolves just three days before the 2023/24 season and defied many predictions that the club would struggle by guiding them to 14th place 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 at a difficult time,” O’Neil said.
“There were some special moments [last season] where we put results on the board and were never in danger of getting into a relegation battle. Being united with the fans was a special season for me.
“Of course this has been difficult and I understand their concerns and criticism of the results, but I guarantee that we are doing everything we can.”
