Gary O’Neil impressed by Wolves squad’s application

Wolves are implementing a much more aggressive approach in a back four throughout pre-season, as they prepare for the start of the Premier League campaign.

In an exclusive interview on the Express & Star’s Wolves podcast, when asked about the one thing he is most encouraged by this pre-season, he admits it is the attitude and application of his players.

“The commitment of the players to what we’re trying to do,” he said. “This suits what we have and I think it will help the attacking players.

“I’ve hit them with an awful lot of detail, I’ve piled it on every day, and sometimes you’re tempted to let them have a day without it.

“But I’ve managed to get something in every day that helps their learning and I’ve taken it really well.

“Against West Ham they had a lot of players missing, but we also had some key ones missing.

“Welcoming those four back is big for us. Nelson had an excellent season for us last year, Joao as well, we all know what Pedro can do and Jose has been number one at the club for a long time.

“Four massive players that are coming back and the challenge now for me is that the lads have moved so far in their understanding of what we’re doing with the ball, we were more aggressive against West Ham, now we need to try and get it into the boys coming back.

“I’ve had a meeting already to get them up to speed.

“The group is in a good spot. I’m a perfectionist and sometimes describe myself as a pessimistic analyst who is always worried and analysing everything.

“There’s still bits in the group that need to be better, but as a whole where the group is now compared to where it was when I first got here, they’re in a really good spot.”

When asked what has surprised him most about the tour of America, O’Neil added: “I was a bit surprised about the enthusiasm of the Wolves fans.

“At the hotel in Jacksonville and around the stadium, it was a great welcome.

“There was a player’s meet and greet and then this huge crowd of Wolves fans surrounded me and we had a chat, and they were great.

“They were so pleased with what we were trying to do and so pleased to see everybody.

“The Wolves following here has been really impressive.”

Talk will quickly turn to the season, however, and how far Wolves’ new approach on the pitch can take them. Talk of Europe is already bubbling away, but O’Neil is instead focused on how his new-look side develops.

“We’d love to finish in Europe but the first aim for any club in this group that we are in, is to avoid relegation comfortably,” O’Neil said. “From there you start to look at how far we can go. It’s a tough start to the season fixture-wise, so there may be a test in there and a slower start than we want, but I want to see progression in the team.

“A progression in how the team looks, performs and how linked it is to the crowd.

“It is tough. There will be another 19 managers all looking to do the same and fighting for every point.

“Financially we’re in a much better place but we’re still a club that has to let one go to bring one in, so we’ll still make a profit or break even this window.

“There are challenges in that, and I love all of them. I’m actually enjoying having to be clever with Matt Hobbs and Jeff Shi in how we do things to maximise the group.

“It makes you work a lot harder and value things when they pay off.

“To finish as high up in the league as we can, entertain the fans and send everyone away happy in May is the aim for the season.”