Gary O’Neil
Wolverhampton Wanderers, 2023-2024
PREMIER League, FEBRUARY 4 2024
Palmer (19)
Thiago Silva (86)
Cunha (22, 63, 82 pen)
Disasi OG (43)
Fresh from an impressive start to his managerial career in the Premier League at Bournemouth, Gary O’Neil became head coach of Wolverhampton Wanderers days before the start of the 2023/24 season. His new club had recently sold more than £100m-worth of talent, but O’Neil quickly set about putting his stamp on the team he inherited.
Beating champions Manchester City provided an early boost. O’Neil’s side then gave the Wolves fans a Christmas treat with three impressive, successive wins across the festive period – 2-1 at home to Chelsea, 4-1 at Brentford and 3-0 against Everton. By the time they visited Chelsea for the return in February, he had steered Wolves into a comfortable midtable position, just behind Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues.
Awaiting Wolves at Stamford Bridge was a well-coached Chelsea team assembled at great expense – one that would only lose two of their remaining 16 Premier League fixtures. One of those defeats was away to an Arsenal side mounting a charge for the title, while the other would be a thumping defeat at home to O’Neil’s Wolves.
In this Coaches’ Voice Masterclass exclusive, he explains the tactical plans that gave his team the solutions to win at Chelsea so comprehensively. This includes insight into his tactical flexibility with the use of Pedro Neto, a tweak to his team’s aggression out of possession, and the work done to maximise the output of Matheus Cunha.
It is a fascinating look at the level of detail that goes into coaching at the highest level, from one of the most promising young English head coaches in the game. We hope you enjoy it!
Gary O’Neil
2821622725823187201222315242158371213/4
SHOTS / ON TARGET
14/7
62%
POSSESSION
38%
33
ATTACKS INTO AREA
17
1.2
EXPECTED GOALS (XG)
2.77
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