Wolves manager Gary O’Neil remains resolute, stating that his “mentality won’t change” despite facing pressure after a challenging start to the 2024-25 season.
During the team’s 4-0 defeat at Everton on Wednesday, travelling fans chanted “you’re getting sacked in the morning” at O’Neil.
The loss at Goodison Park marked Wolves’ ninth defeat of the Premier League season, leaving them in 19th place with only two wins and nine points from 14 matches.
Despite the overall struggles, Wolves earned seven points in November, securing 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 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 went winless in their first 10 games of the season and had to wait until 9 November to secure their first victory, a 2-0 win over Southampton at Molineux.
They followed that up with a dominant 4-1 victory at Fulham, but consecutive defeats to Bournemouth and Everton have stopped their momentum in its tracks.
Next up for Wolves is a visit to 14th-placed West Ham on Monday, where Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui, whom O’Neil succeeded at Molineux, is also facing scrutiny.
“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.”