Wolves boss Gary O’Neil responds to question about player signings and sales
Wolverhampton Wanderers news from BirminghamLive after Gary O’Neil’s press conference
Wolves manager Gary O’Neil hasn’t ruled out adding to the squad before the end of the transfer window but said his immediate focus was on preparing the team for Monday’s game at Manchester United.
O’Neil addressed his first press conference as Wolves manager on Friday afternoon when he fielded questions about his plans, his thoughts on Wolves….and whether he might be able to bring in players.
He said: “A lot has been made of it outside of course. I am really clear on where it is. But never say never, things move fast, things can happen. But there is just a real focus from me on what we have here. We have some incredible players, a real good group, a group that is together which is important.
“We have a big game on Monday and then one that comes very quickly again after that to focus on. So, 100 per cent of my focus is on the players I have in the building and trying to get the best out of them.”
As for the possibility of more players leaving before the window shuts, he said: “Everyone is training together, everyone is working hard, everyone has an opportunity to play. It is really similar to the incomings question….things can change and move very quickly in a transfer window but as it stands at the moment, everyone is available and ready to work and we are working hard as a group.”
O’Neil takes over a team that finished 13 th last season but has been in some turmoil of late as Julen Lopetegui left by mutual consent on Tuesday evening because of a difference of opinion about transfer policy. That led to the appointment of former Bournemouth boss O’Neil on a three-year deal.
Wolves have raised around £90m from player sales this summer but only signed back-up goalkeeper Tom King and right back Matt Doherty, both on free transfers.
Asked about where the club could finish this season, O’Neil said it was too soon to talk about targets. He added: “I have only been in the building for a day and a half so, as in setting goals for the season, I haven’t considered it.
“My goal at the minute is to work with the players really hard, improve their understanding, get them as ready as we can for Monday night and make sure we get them into a place where they can be competitive in every game.
“I am sure if we do that, we get them in the right place and compete in every game, we will win enough football matches to have a successful season. What that is and what position that is at the minute is too early for me to say but I am really positive around what we have and what we can go and achieve this year.”
