FOR THIS WEEKS BBC SPORT ARTICLE WE LOOK AT GROWING TENSION WITHIN WOLVES SQUAD AND THE RECURRING THEME OF INDIVIDUAL ERRORS
Wolves’ performance against Bournemouth was a sobering reality check, undoing the optimism sparked by last week’s promising game. Despite having a squad with considerable talent, there is no excuse for Gary O’Neil to find himself in this precarious position with the resources at his disposal.
The contrast between the two sides was stark. Bournemouth executed their game plan with speed, precision, and cohesion. Wolves, on the other hand, looked lethargic, fragmented, and reliant on moments of individual brilliance. While Bournemouth looked like a well-coached side, Wolves appeared to lack strategic direction. The root cause of Wolves’ struggles might not be immediately apparent, but the symptoms—disorganisation, uncertainty, and fragility—are impossible to ignore.
The match showcased a colossal lapse in discipline, with three penalties conceded. Such incidents are not just costly but unacceptable in professional football. While the penalties were undeniably clear-cut, they resulted from avoidable errors that exposed a lack of composure, defensive awareness, and accountability.
These errors are no longer isolated incidents; they are a recurring theme. The consistency of individual mistakes is alarming and suggests deeper issues related to coaching and morale.
Maybe O’Neil overthinks and complicates his tactics, creating confusion and uncertainty on the pitch. Footballers thrive on clarity and confidence. Instead of playing instinctively and fluidly, players become overly cautious, afraid of making mistakes within a system they don’t fully trust or understand.
Signs of discord are mounting. A heated exchange between José Sá and a couple of fans in the South Bank reflects the frustration bubbling over, while players bypassing O’Neil’s handshake as they head down the tunnel demonstrates growing tensions.
Wolves desperately need an identity, a defined system of play that suits the squad’s strengths, and a consistent approach that restores defensive stability. Without this, their Premier League future remains in serious jeopardy.
The spotlight is firmly fixed on O’Neil and the board.
1 Comment
by Razor
I have to agree with most comments, except I’m not sure about the first penalty. Trouble is, Toti gave the ref an opportunity to make a call because of his clumsy challenge.
O’Neill really cocked up the team selection – Dawson should have started instead of Lemina and he would have dealt with that long ball – it went over Lemina’s head. That’s not hindsight either, because according to Gary, he knew exactly to what expect. ♂️
Was it Shankly who said “football is a simple game, complicated by coaches” ? I think Gary definitely complicates things and the players are over-thinking, which is leading to hesitant play – that’s why we give the ball away so much.
I hate to think back to Nuno’s days because it’s gone, it’s in the past, but back then we had an identity, a style of play that worked for us. It only started to go wrong for Nuno when we lost the goals from the team (selling Jota & Raul’s injury), coupled with the whole Covid thing. I am convinced with a little patience he would have got us back in that top 8.
Where to now ? I’ve no idea, except with Leicester winning (new manager bounce) last night, the pressure on tonight is enormous !