Micah Richards believes that Gary O’Neil is making one key mistake at Wolves with ‘risk’ claim

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has given his verdict on Wolves boss Gary O’Neil after a difficult start to the campaign.

The Old Gold went into their home clash with the current champions in poor form, having picked up just one point from their opening seven games.

Under pressure boss Gary O’Neil hasn’t been particularly helped by the Premier League fixture list, which has already put them up against the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea early on.

However, difficult results against Brentford and Nottingham Forest haven’t exactly helped Wolves fans stay convinced of the direction their side is going in.

While hosting Man City at Molineux was hardly going to be an easy clash to relieve that pressure, it did offer a chance to build momentum with a positive outcome.

• READ MORE: Gary O’Neil shares why Sam Johnstone is not in Wolves’ squad to face Man City

Micah Richards discusses Wolves style of play

Speaking before the clash with Man City, Micah Richards gave his thoughts on O’Neil’s style of play and mentions one element that may be costing Wolves.

On Sky Sports’ Super Sunday, the former defender said: “I think it’s just patience with the counterattack [how Wolves can get something out of Man City].

“We’ve seen that Man City and the goals that they’ve conceded on the counter-attack but I think it’s just, as Gary O’Neil mentioned in his interview, don’t rush, don’t overplay.

“I think if I was talking about Wolves and what they do, they play really good football and progressive football but I think they take too many risks.

“So it’s about minimising that risk and trying to hit them over a set piece or a counterattack.”

It suggests that Wolves should look to go back to basics, make sure they are solid at the back and build on those foundations.

Given the number of goals shipped so far, that will be a task to keep out the danger of Man City.

• READ MORE: Gary O’Neil makes Wolves sacking claim ahead of Man City with clear promise

The crucial fixtures in Gary O’Neil sacking concerns

With O’Neil under huge pressure to deliver points quickly, the next three weeks could be crucial to the future of the Wolves boss.

While Man City and Brighton are tough encounters, both Crystal Palace and Southampton offer key opportunities to rack up some wins.

If they don’t do so by the November international break, then the manager may well be axed during the final break before the long run until March.

It remains to be seen if they can do just that, with confidence in short supply.