Gary O’Neil says context of the whole season needs to be added to Wolves’ form, but he remains determined to end the winless run against Luton Town on Saturday.
The head coach picked out numerous positives from the season overall when speaking to the media in his press conference on Friday afternoon but has also been working with the group on taking responsibility on the pitch. O’Neil was left disappointed with the performance against Bournemouth, but with a quick turnaround ahead of the visit of Luton, he’s fully focused on putting things right from that and putting on a positive showing at Molineux, where he’s enjoyed being this season.
On having context on the season
“As disappointing as the other night was, it’s important to keep things in context. The pundits had us down as getting relegated this year and we’re nowhere near. We have had a tough run recently, but so many positives have come out of this season, with the work that’s been done by everybody, including the part the young lads have played. Five league and cup debuts for the academy and another eight who have made first-team matchday squads, so 13 first-team involvements.
“We’ve improved on last season’s points total. The numbers produced by the attacking players have all improved on last year. So many things have gone well this season, so although everyone feels down after a tough spell, it’s important you look at the wider picture.
“Following on, no-one’s thinking about holidays or getting away from here, everyone’s fully focused and wants to make sure we end the season well. The supporters will be so important for that, as they have been the whole way through. We’re going to need them again. The atmosphere at Molineux has been probably the most enjoyable factor of this season if I’m honest and the last few at home I want to enjoy. I understand that me and my team have a large part to play in that, it’s tough for them to enjoy it if we perform like we did in the first half the other night, but the way the season’s gone and the part of it we’re at, it’s important we still manage to enjoy the moments with the supporters and have a strong finish to the season.”
On finishing the season strongly
“The lads are desperate to finish as high as we can and they’ve shown it pretty much every week. We fell below that, not through a lack of effort, but they understand we can’t fall behind that two games on the trot and we need to make sure we’re bang at it tomorrow. It’s a little shot in the arm for us and a little reality check – it’s been very good and everyone’s given their all, but that has to be always, we can’t have any slips. As disappointing as Wednesday was, we’re keen to move on and make sure we put in a performance tomorrow.”
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On the players taking responsibility themselves
“They understand that, on the side of course there’s things you can do, but when you’re out there and it starts to go not quite how you want it, they understand there’s a big responsibility on them to find a way. You can shout things from the side, but you can’t change too much when it’s moving quickly. You’re waiting for half-time to be able to help them with any real detail.
“They understand it’s important we improve their knowledge to fix things while they’re out there. We do have some real good leaders out there, a good group and we’ve worked hard on that side, and not being too emotional about disappointing halves or when things are going well, or being too emotional the other way. I’m looking forward to being able to have a good spell with them and being able to improve things. This weekend is a big game and comes at a good time, quickly after the last one which I like. We can get back to work and make sure we put a few things right.”
On learning from Bournemouth
“I was critical of us, as a group, on the day for what we were able to produce and there’s not been many times I’ve had to do that this season, but that was one that fell below the standards that we look to get to. We did the normal debrief and it’s probably good for us that we’ve only got two days between games, so we can look to bounce back very quickly against Luton.
“The lads are still in very good spirits, it’s the Premier League so you’re going to suffer some tough moments and tough situations, and they’ve bounced back very, very well from other ones so far and we’ll be looking to do the same tomorrow. It’s a big game for us. I know Luton are the ones involved in the scran for survival, but it’s a really big game for us, and one we’re keen to be at our best in.”
On injuries in the camp
“Santi Bueno will be out. It’s not too serious, we’re hopeful for Manchester City and extremely confident for Crystal Palace, so nothing too long, but it’s still disappointing. Toti Gomes has a slight awareness in his hamstring but I’m anticipating him being OK.
“Cunha did really well, came through the game fine and hasn’t suffered any negative consequences for the minutes he played, so he’ll be in a better spot for us tomorrow. Channy came through OK, a first 90, which was good for him. He’ll be available again and the rest are OK.
“No-one to welcome back. We’re as we were, Bellegarde a bit too soon, but he did train with the lads today. Pedro’s getting closer, but it’s still a bit too soon. Daws had surgery, so nothing until next season.”
On coming against Luton
“They have a very clear style and identity, so they’ll be very aggressive out of possession, they’ve been man for man for quite a while and can cause you issues with direct play. They’ll be a tough test, as we saw when we went there, it was a really tough game for us, but it’s one we’ve prepared well for in the short period of time we have. The lads have a good understanding of what’s needed and there’s a real focus on us after the game the other night.”
