Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has some work to do to get the best out of one of his key players at Molineux.
The international break would have been welcomed at Wolves, as O’Neil continues to search for a breakthrough this season.
After seven games played in the Premier League, the Old Gold sit bottom of the table with just one point, putting the manager under great pressure.
Wolves are in desperate need of a win in the league to gain some inspiration, giving O’Neil a lot to think about regarding possible changes ahead of the return of domestic action.
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Gary O’Neil calls on Matheus Cunha to ‘be even better’ at Wolves
Ironically, the level of performance this season at Wolves hasn’t been as bad as the 20th-place standing suggests.
The Old Gold have impressed in spells however, are yet to produce a wholly convincing 90 minutes, allowing their efforts to crumble in the second half of fixtures.
There isn’t a figure in particular to blame as a result although, O’Neil is understandably asking for more from his players.
Surprisingly, one figure that the manager has prompted to do better is Matheus Cunha, who has scored three of Wolves’ nine goals in the league this term.
“Last season he [Cunha] had his best numbers ever at any club and he’s still showing people what he can do, I want him to be even better,” O’Neil said, via Express and Star.
There’s a harmless push from the manager with regard to his player performing at his best level however, O’Neil must step back and take some responsibility for the Brazilian’s recent performances.
O’Neil is not helping Cunha
Naturally, O’Neil wants his players at their very best, but the boss isn’t helping several of his talents by playing Wolves’ current formation.
Playing a back four with three midfielders is hurting a handful of talent, including Cunha, who has been stripped of his role in the number 10 spot despite thriving in pre-season in the position.
When calling on the 25-year-old to get even better, O’Neil was quizzed on whether the switch in formation has impacted Cunha’s ability to perform at his best level.
“It’s probably changed his out of possession job slightly,” the manager explained before suggesting that the forward’s role has been altered.
“Maybe it makes him a little bit more of a transition threat on the side. If full-backs start to attack, he’s always a big threat going the other way. I think it can suit him and he can still have the same impact.”
O’Neil’s assessment of the situation is subtly crafted to excuse the change in formation’s impact on Cunha, who is not playing as fluidly as he was before the three-man midfield was introduced.
Ultimately, the manager is not helping arguably the strongest asset in the squad, with the understanding that Cunha operates best as a 10 dismissed to accommodate the coach’s plan to make the current formation work.
Fortunately, the former Atletico Madrid ace is adaptable when it comes to his role in attack but, given how long it took the £60k-a-week star to get going at Molineux, compromising his favoured position is a questionable decision at this moment.
Wolves need all that they can get to kickstart their season and O’Neil must understand that Cunha is key to making things happen.