Gary O’Neil
Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has emphasized the importance of evaluating his team’s performance at the end of the season, particularly following a challenging start. Speaking before a crucial match against Crystal Palace, he articulated his perspective on pressure and performance.
Gary O’Neil said, “I think the lads know the job of a coach and the job of a player involves pressure. If you’re not under any pressure, it means you’re not performing at a very high level. The fact that we’re under pressure every day, every week, it’s just what it is. Ten games in means nothing to me. We’ll know where we are after 38. Why would 10 be any different to eight or 12 or 14? There are no lines drawn at any point. We always have an opportunity to change where we are and we all know that the fixture list has been difficult for us, a very tough start, but my main concern is always points on the board. But secondary to that was how the group came through the tough run of fixtures. The response at Brighton shows where they are now. The performance against Manchester City shows where they are, and we need to maintain that and turn it into some points, as well as faith and belief.”
Separately, Matt Hobbs, Wolves’ sporting director, will not be able to attend the upcoming match due to a two-match stadium ban. Hobbs was charged by the Football Association after an incident with match officials, including referee Chris Kavanagh, following the controversial defeat to Manchester City.
An FA statement read, “A two-match ground ban and £7,000 fine has been imposed on the sporting director of Wolverhampton Wanderers for misconduct at their Premier League match on Sunday 2 October against Manchester City. The FA alleged that Matt Hobbs acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive words towards the match official/s around the tunnel area after the final whistle.”
