Gary O'Neil: Wolves boss expected to be in charge against West Ham despite pressure mounting after Everton defeat

Wolves boss Gary O'Neil is "not concerned" about his future and is expected to be in charge of the club for Monday's game against West Ham - live on Sky Sports - despite pressure mounting.

Wolves suffered a resounding 4-0 defeat to Everton on Wednesday, just days after Bournemouth beat them 4-2 at Molineux.

O'Neil's side currently sit 19th in the Premier League table, with just two top-flight wins to their name across the current season.

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However, Sky Sports News understands the Wolves boss is still expected to be in charge of the club for the upcoming clash against West Ham, live on Monday Night Football.

Despite maintaining their support for O'Neil, the club have been sounding out potential replacements in case a managerial change is needed.

In terms of potential candidates - former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter is someone that has been liked in the past, but it is understood he is an unlikely option at this time.

When asked about his future ahead of the crucial clash, O'Neil said: "I am not concerned about my future one bit at all - only the future of the club.

"I think of it from the football club's point of view. It's not about me. Wolverhampton Wanderers need to stay in the Premier League.

"We need to find a way to keep this club in the Premier League. Monday's game will feel huge, as last night and Bournemouth did."

His counterpart, Julen Lopetegui - who O'Neil succeeded after the Spaniard parted ways with Wolves just days before the 2023/24 season began - is also under an increasing amount of pressure heading into the fixture.

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On Thursday afternoon it was confirmed Lopetegui will be in charge of West Ham against Wolves.

O'Neil: I am not hurting

O'Neil has stated he is not "hurting" on a personal level but is disappointed for the fans following another dip in form, after previously securing back-to-back wins against Fulham and Southampton.

"I think I can only keep going until things change," he continued. "As far as I am aware, I took training this morning and you won't find anyone more hard working and professional than me.

"I know I can get the group in a good place to go to West Ham. I am not hurting on a personal level but I am disappointed for the fanbase. I understand how much it means to them.

"It's travel, time and money to support the football club. The criticism is part and parcel of it. Two weeks ago, when we scored four away from home, everyone is happy to take the plaudits. But when it doesn't go well, you need to step up.

"The next part is to respond and go again."

Merson: Fans get you the sack

Sky Sports' Paul Merson:

"There's one thing for sure as a manager: the only people that get you the sack is the fans.

"It's very rare fans are singing your name when you get the sack. This is a big football match this weekend against West Ham.

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"I look at this game and I think, if either manager loses this match, he's going to be under severe pressure from their fans. I'm not saying from the board because they might have good relationships.

"But when the fans want you out, it's very rare that you can stay there. The board listen to the fans.

"Otherwise, if they don't listen to the fans, then they turn on the board. The board don't want them turning on them so they listen to the fans."

O'Neil's view on fan criticism

Wolves boss Gary O'Neil speaking in the press conference after the loss to Everton:

"I'm happy to go over there to see them because I appreciate every single one of the Wolves fanbase. They've given me unbelievable support since I arrived at the club.

"In a tough moment, we managed to produce some unbelievable stuff last season. Away at Stamford Bridge, away at Tottenham, away at our rivals West Brom.

"With a team that was obviously heavily tipped by most of the nation for relegation, we were nowhere near it. We managed to enjoy all of that together. So now that it's tough, I'm happy to go over there and look them right in the face, and take any criticism that they want to throw at me.

"Because I accept responsibility for all of my part in that. There are a lot of parts that have led to where we are at this moment. But for my part in that, I'm happy to accept full responsibility.

"And whatever criticism they want to throw at me will not change the way I feel about them and what they've given me over the last 15 months."

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