“I’ve started to look whether what I’m asking is going to suit what we’re going to end up with, it’s pointless me trying to shoehorn them into jobs that don’t suit them”- Gary O’Neil admits he has had to ‘rethink’ one thing at Wolves during the international break as he hints as tactical change

Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has revealed that change is coming with regard to one key position in his squad. It’s been a testing start to the 2024/25 campaign for Wolves, who are yet to secure a win in the Premier League. 

The Old Gold have one point on the board after three games played, conceding eight goals and scoring three. 1Last time out, improvement was seen as Wolves conceded once against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, handing Gary O’Neil’s side their first point of the season with a 1-1 draw.

It was integral that Wolves took a result away from the City Ground, with the fixture list not set to get any easier for the Midlands club. Given the number of goals Wolves have conceded this season, only Everton have conceded more, questions have naturally been asked about the defence.

O’Neil found sanctuary playing a back five last term however, reverted to a back four in pre-season, which has stuck going into competitive action. The manager was recently quizzed on whether change is needed at the back for things to improve, to which he hinted at a possible tactical shift, via Express and Star. 

“I’ve started to look whether what I’m asking is going to suit what we’re going to end up with in the building

“My job is to get the best out of the group, that’s the job of a head coach,” O’Neil explained.

“We maybe put some things in place for who we felt might be here and it might look a little bit different to that.

“The international break and the closing of the window gives me a good opportunity to look at exactly where we are and what we have.”

Wolves failed to bring in an additional central defender with experience during the transfer window, pushing the boss back to the issues he overcame at the start of last term.

“It’s similar to when I first walked into the building with a few days to go until the first game,” the boss said.

“I need to have a look at the group and what it can and can’t do and what best suits it. There is a lot of talent in there, but it’s pointless me trying to shoehorn them into jobs that don’t suit them.

“It will be an assessment and a rethink.”

For all of the success that came with Wolves playing a back five last season, it was a shock to see O’Neil decide on playing four at the back for the 2024/25 campaign.

That being said, the formation does have its positives, giving the squad more freedom in attack with less of a restriction on the wide players. What is clear is that the manager is eager to make things work with four at the back and as a result, is willing to make tactical tweaks to unlock the door to Wolves’ defensive stability.