MX23RW : Tuesday, November 12 06:13:16| >> :120:75146:75146:

Gary O'Neil future: Wolves star defends under-pressure head coach

'O'Neil is not the problem': Star man jumps to defence of Wolves boss
© Imago
A key Wolverhampton Wanderers player jumps to the defence of head coach Gary O'Neil who is under pressure to keep his job at Molineux.

Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Mario Lemina has publicly backed Gary O'Neil, stating that the head coach is not responsible for the club's poor form.

The West Midlands outfit are one of four teams who are yet to record a victory in this season's Premier League, the others being Ipswich Town, Crystal Palace and Southampton.

However, there has been a particular focus on Wolves courtesy of O'Neil's side conceding 21 goals during their seven league fixtures in 2024-25.

That run needs to be put into context with matches having already been played against Arsenal, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Brentford.

Each of those teams sit in the top 11 of the Premier League standings, yet O'Neil acknowledged that the 5-3 defeat at Brentford on Saturday afternoon was his 'worst as a head coach'.

Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Mario Lemina in September 2024.© Imago

Lemina defends O'Neil

During the eight-goal contest in London at the weekend, the travelling Wolves support voiced their displeasure at the situation with chants of "you don't know what you're doing' aimed at O'Neil.

Despite that outpouring of frustration, Lemina has jumped to the defence of his boss, praising the Englishman for what he has brought to the club rather than criticise his tactics or choices in the transfer market as has been the case in the stands.

As quoted by BBC Sport, the club captain said: "The way we are playing, the way we are defending right now is going to get us in relegation and we have to be honest about that right now."

"Gary is not the problem. He is doing really well. If you say Gary O'Neil is the problem then you (referring to squad) are liars and cheaters, because he has given us a lot. A lot of things we didn't have before.

"He has given a chance to a lot of players and now we have to give it back to him, because at the moment we are not giving it back.

"I think the fans really love him as well. Now it is a point of view because of the results, which is understandable."

Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Gary O'Neil in September 2024.© Imago

Will Wolves back O'Neil?

Owners Fosun International have come under constant criticism for their decision-making in recent months, whether that be with regards to ticket prices or their approach to the transfer market.

As per a report in The Telegraph, there are no plans to sack the 41-year-old during the international break.

When Wolves return to action after that period, they will play host to the undefeated defending Premier League champions Manchester City on October 20.

ID:554889:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4440:

Click here for more stories about Gary O'Neil

Click here for more stories about Wolverhampton Wanderers

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Gary O'Neil in October 2024.
Read Next:
'My worst game as a coach': O'Neil lambasts Wolves display in Brentford defeat
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!