Is Gary O neil the solution to wolves growth?

 

When Wolves became the first team in the 2023–24 Premier League to beat reigning Champions Manchester City on 30 September 2023, O'Neil became only the second English coach to see his team beat Manchester City in the Pep Guardiola era, This is when I started noticing Gary O Neil's influence on the wolves team.

He guided the Cherries to Premier League safety but was then shockingly sacked in June 2023. In early August 2023, Wolves installed O'Neil as Julen Lopetegui's replacement as head coach.

COACHING PHILOSOPHY           

    As a player, O Neil had  Strong crossing, Strong set-piece taking, Tactical versatility, Possession-based, high intensity,  attacking style, and Laser focus which he looks to translate into his players.                                                                      

 He's very forward-thinking, driven and detail-oriented and methodical he has a point to prove because he did a great job first job surviving in a tough situation at Bournemouth,

"He showed good knowledge of our squad and how it works within his principles.

This clearly shows in the fact that in the past few years, the Wolves have been very goal-shy and that has been their reason for underperformance but now, the Wolves have scored in every game since their opening-day defeat at Manchester United. Their early goals-per-game ratio of 1.13 would deliver a total of 43 goals if it continued throughout the season. 

TACTICAL SHIFTS

He retained most of the old squad member's under Lopetegui, but the tactical shifts made by him at such an early stage as manager is very impressive for such a young manager.

Wolves play in the shadows, giving up possession to engage the opposition. They then look to commit players forward quickly. 

Wolves' style of play is aggressive, consistent, and involves playing with width. They play in their own half and attack down the right

1)Breaking down a deep block

During the build-up phase, the fullbacks are low, the wingers are wide, and the front two play off the shoulder of the opposition's center-backs.

2)Regrouping into their mid-block

After losing the ball, Wolves regroup into their mid-block and then press the opposition aggressively.

3)Playing long to the opposition's center-backs

Wolves sometimes play long to the opposition's center-backs before counter-pressing them and winning the second ball.

4)Wolves also play a balance of direct and short passing games.

Wolves are 12th in the Premier League with 15 points from 13 games and only look to improve given their unpredictable approach and new found hunger

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