Gary O’Neil has praised the way his players are adapting to the new coaching style he has implemented since arriving at Molineux in the summer.
During last weekend’s win against reigning Premier League and European champions Manchester City, O’Neil felt his players were able to carry out his instructions to near perfection, but with Aston Villa arriving to Molineux for a West Midlands derby on Sunday, the head coach insists his squad have been working hard on a new system which he hopes will earn the side consecutive top flight wins for the first time in his Wolves career.
On three points lifting the atmosphere
“To win a Premier League game, a first one at home for me as well, was obviously big. The group have been working extremely hard, so to put two wins on the board, one against the European champions was a big plus and a big lift for everybody.
“We knew how tough the run of fixtures were at the start of the season, there’s been some really tough ones in there, especially at home, and there’s still some more tough ones to come as well.
“But the way the lads went about it, they didn’t feel there was too much luck involved or needed, it was a real good performance with everyone understanding their roles and even though we got pegged back with a goal out of nothing, we managed to get our noses in front again, so it was a really good win for us.”
On getting the game plan right
“You can gain positive energy from situations and looking how you’ve prepped for them. That’s the idea of how we work, but it’s never as simple as that and you can’t always guarantee how the opposition are going to be.
“A couple of teams we’ve played this season have switched it up when they’ve played us, or it hasn’t been as accurate, but that’s why working for the group for longer is important because I need to improve their understanding so they’re not so reliant on it being exactly how I’ve told them it would be, but having an understanding of how to adapt and adjust.
“It's something the group are not used to having spoken to them. They were used to more generic game plans and having to think on their feet, but they’re getting used to a new style. I’m not saying this style is any better than the old one, it’s just a new style.
“Aston Villa use a similar structure every game, although the personnel may change it slightly, but we should have a fair idea of what it needs to look like and the players seem to have understood it well this week, they’re taking it on board well and hopefully we can get it right at the weekend and another three points before the international break will be big for us.”
On Neto’s performances
“He’s worked extremely hard. It’s all him really, his commitment of what we’re tyring to do, his understanding of the tactical stuff that we give him, his understanding of all the extras we do and how committed he is to them and wanting to improve, and just his work rate, his enthusiasm around the place, I’m delighted for him.
“You’re pleased when everybody does well, but when someone has committed and is enthusiastic and willing to work as Pedro is gets some success, you’re really pleased for them. He’s been a huge positive since I’ve walked in.”
A strong start to the season for Pedro Neto and Hee Chan Hwang.
— Wolves (@Wolves) October 5, 2023
🔢📈 pic.twitter.com/PArOA8WDm7
On a vibrant Molineux atmosphere
“The atmosphere at every home game has been excellent, but especially Manchester City. I bumped into a few fans around the area this week and they said it was one of the best they’ve seen the stadium, atmosphere-wise, and the connection from the players to the supporters, which is what we want to create.
“Home form is going to be really important for us, so it’s another game we can have a go at. But it’s going to be big. Aston Villa have only lost two league games so far, Liverpool and Newcastle, they’re fifth in the league, so it’s a big test.
“It seems that every home game at the minute we face one of the guys in the top four or five, but it’s a big test for us, but one where we can have a really good go and try to put three points on the board.”
On recent VAR controversy
“I get the fact that there’s human error and there’s a mix-up and I understand that can happen, but this season, probably even more so than the last, there seems to be more errors made. I’m just hopeful that the guys can improve it.
“I know they’re not making mistakes on purpose, they’re not getting things wrong because they want to, so hopefully they can just improve the processes – similar to when you’re coaching a football team. There’s things that go wrong and you look to improve the processes and I’m sure that’s where they are.
“I hope they can fix it and I hope we can get it to a place where everyone understands it and you can see what’s coming next. But that’s where I’m still a little bit lost, even with the handball last night in the Aston Villa game where it hits the boy’s face then his hand, fairly similar to Joao at Luton, and the ref gets sent to the screen and it gets overturned.
“I’m not too sure on that. I’m also not convinced about the offsides where the lines are drawn, as I’m not sure how accurate they are, so for me, it needs improving and I’m sure they’re working hard to improve it.”
