Nelson Semedo has lauded Gary O’Neil and the impact the head coach has made during his first season at the helm as Wolves head to Newcastle United on Saturday with the chance of moving to seventh in the Premier League table.
The right-back has been one of the key players in O’Neil’s system this campaign, and has acknowledged the way his boss has not only improved results for the Old Gold players, but also individuals, with every member of a small, tight-knit squad performing to their best as the team looks to have a successful season in both the league and the FA Cup.
On the improvements made under O’Neil
“The start was not good. We did not have the time to work in pre-season. He came three or four days before the Premier League started so obviously we had a lot to work on. But we are doing well now and the team is confident.
“It is very easy to understand the information he gives us. Obviously, we have meetings but not that many. I also think Gary still has that professional player mentality, so he thinks a little bit like us. He knows how to explain things to us and help us to improve on the things he wants us to improve. That is the main thing.
“We have our tactics. But he gives me the freedom to do whatever I want - with responsibility, of course. He trusts me a lot. Not only me but every player on the team. That is very important. It gives you a boost to keep improving and improving.”
On Wolves exceeding expectations
“I think that the team performance helps a lot. We are doing really well. But, honestly, I think this is the best season that I am doing - and also the team is doing - since I am here.
“As you can see, it is not like one or two players are doing well. All the players are doing well. Even the players who are coming from the bench are responding.”
On being a senior member of the squad
“I love this team because there is a mix of experienced players and young players. The young players want to achieve a lot as well.
“We have this mix of ages but we have the same objectives. I think this makes us stronger. We will work to get there.”
This team 💛 pic.twitter.com/rwBbkubdAW
— Wolves (@Wolves) February 29, 2024
On preparing for a trip to the north-east
“We are working a lot during the week and putting a lot of trust in what we are doing. This is the result.
“On Saturday we’ve got another tough game away to Newcastle. They are a very good team, so we know we are going to have to keep going like we have been and play to the levels we can.”
On dreaming of European football
“It is a good dream for all of us but I think we have to go game by game. When we finish the season, we want to be the highest we can be.
“But if we start thinking Europe is right here, we would lose focus and that would be bad for us.”
