One thing that has been evident about Wolves under Gary O’Neil is just how together everyone is now after some tough times beforehand – but journalist Johnny Phillips has made an interesting claim about the squad.
O’Neil has done a tremendous job since replacing Julen Lopetegui at the helm at Molineux.
Not only has he kept Wolves in the Premier League, he has improved most of the players in the squad and the connection between the players and the fans is probably the strongest it has been for some time. That was something former Old Gold midfielder Neil Emblen recently mentioned when speaking about the club.
There does appear to be a real harmony at the moment.
Everyone is pulling in one direction, and the players all seem to deeply respect O’Neil and what he is trying to do.
But Sky Sports reporter and lifelong Wolves fan Johnny Phillips has dropped an interesting claim about what it’s actually like behind the scenes…
Johnny Phillips claims not all the Wolves players actually ‘get on’
Phillips appeared on the Talking Wolves YouTube channel to discuss all things Wolves, including the latest 2-2 result against Nottingham Forest.
Phillips is well-connected at Wolves, which makes this claim particularly interesting.
The conversation was about Wolves’ recent defeat to Coventry City in the FA Cup final, which was probably the lowest moment in an otherwise great season.
There was extreme disappointment about that loss, and the missed opportunity to get to Wembley.
Phillips mentioned O’Neil’s comments about Mark Robins celebrating in the ballboy’s face, and the general frustration and hurt of the day.
Phillips then said: “They’re a funny bunch, the players. They care, immensely. But they don’t all get on. I think Gary O’Neil has said himself sometimes that it’s like being a childminder or a school teacher trying to control them. They are characters.
“Historically, teams that don’t get on have done alright at Wolves. The Dave Jones promotion-winning team famously, a lot of the characters didn’t get on.
“This current Wolves team has characters, vocal people. They’re not afraid to share their opinions.”
Phillips claim is no reason to be concerned – it’s normal and healthy
It’s interesting to hear Phillips say this about the current Wolves squad under O’Neil, which has always given the impression of being one pack that is always together.
But it is always going to appear that way publicly.
It is completely normal that you have some people not getting on behind the scenes.
At the end of the day, there is a lot at stake and it can be a pressurised environment – especially when results are not good. Thankfully this season, Wolves haven’t had too many runs of poor form, and spirits have therefore been fairly high.
It would probably actually be more concerning if there was no bickering and if everyone got along. It’s important for a dressing room to have characters and people who will challenge things, just as long as the mark is never overstepped and discipline is maintained.