Gary O’Neil says the final five matches of the season are a continuation of the project and he’s looking to end the campaign strong, starting against his former club on Wednesday evening.
Injuries during the spring have hampered the Old Gold’s momentum in the Premier League, but as he prepares to face Bournemouth, O’Neil is expecting to have stronger options available to him. The performance against Arsenal, without a number of big players, was pleasing for the head coach and now he wants points to improve Wolves’ league position with five matches remaining.
On the injuries lifting
“A couple have a chance. I wouldn’t declare them fit, some are having tests which maybe give them an opportunity to be involved. Nelson’s looking better, which is good. Matheus Cunha’s doing all he can to be involved. Bellegarde’s had a good week, he’s doing much better, it was really slow for him for quite a while, but it’s picked up pace with his recovery the past week, so he’s doing better.
“We’re going to look at them again tomorrow because it’s an evening game, so we have all day tomorrow to make sure people are in good shape. Rayan will be fit to start if we deem that to be the right way to go. 'Daws' is obviously out after the surgery he had. Pablo had a tight groin after Nottingham Forest and three starts would have been tricky, but he should be available to start the next two if we choose to. Mario is available to play.
“We are in a better spot, it doesn’t mean I’ll have loads more available to start, but it is moving in the right direction which is obviously what we need. Credit to the guys who came in with the performance the other day. Disappointed it got to two, but they gave a really good account of themselves.”
Sasa with the matchwinner in our last meeting.
— Wolves (@Wolves) April 23, 2024
🍒🐺 pic.twitter.com/NkNAbpTrao
On balancing performances and results
“Of course, we want to win every game. I went on record after the Fulham game and told everyone how difficult it was going to be to win Premier League matches with what we were about to go into and the players we were going to have available, and it’s turned out to be the case. What I have been really pleased with has the way the lads have approached every single game.
“We lost away to Aston Villa with a performance which gave us a chance to take points at a tough place to go. We were excellent for half of the game against West Ham and lost with a last-minute decision. Then we lost against one of the best teams in Europe and took a couple of points on the road between that.
“When you look at the form, it’s our worst run of the season, and that ties in with the fact we don’t have many players available. Everyone’s doing the best they can, the players, myself, we’re working very hard to try and improve our league position.”
On his approach for the final five
“I’ve spoken to the players about the project and obviously it started when I arrived and it continues, it doesn’t just stop in the summer, and we go away and start a new one. These five games are a continuation of what we’re trying to do. We’ve tried to implement a few things we need to be improved.
“Of course, it’s very difficult at the moment with the players we have out and the same numbers we have available, but there’s still lots to learn from that. The performance the other night shows that we’re mathematically safe, we’ve had a tough spell with injuries, and Europe is looking unlikely, but we’re willing to give absolutely everything against Arsenal, scrap and fight, and the performance shows there are no thoughts of people going on holiday.
“We’re still working as hard as we can to be the best team as possible because I don’t believe you can switch it on and off, we’re either always a team or we’re not. That’s the aim and what we’ll to do until the last minute at Anfield on 19th May. Then, after that, we think of next season.”
On players trying to catch his eye
“Players are always doing their best to stake a claim and earn their place, and that won’t change. I’ve been a player not too long ago and you’re always looking at how your performances are and where that leaves you for next season. They’ll be keen to make sure they do as well as they can.”
