Wolves crashed to a 4-2 defeat against Leeds United on Saturday – and it was quite the afternoon for Jonny Castro Otto.
The Spaniard was starting again at left-back, following a recent injury to Hugo Bueno.
Jonny came into the starting XI against Tottenham Hotspur and had a decent outing after a shaky start.
But he could not follow that performance up against Newcastle United, where he struggled to deal with the Magpies’ press.
Jonny got another chance from Lopetegui against Leeds.
But it was really an afternoon to forget.
Jonny was at fault for Leeds’ third goal from Ramus Kristensen.
His initial header was poor and then he tried to get the ball to Max Kilman. Kristensen picked his pocket, and then fired into the corner with Kilman unable to make the block.
Out of nowhere, Jonny then scored a Goal of the Month contender, as he volleyed in from distance.
But his afternoon would be cut short when he was sent off for a really poor challenge on Luke Ayling.
Julen Lopetegui said after the game that the club would appeal the decision. But it has since been reported they won’t.
Despite his amazing goal, this is a very concerning period for Jonny, who may now be fighting for his Wolves future.
Jonny Castro Otto’s Wolves future could be in doubt after horror show against Leeds
Jonny’s performance against Leeds was alarming. And sadly, there have been a few of those this season from the 29-year-old.
He’s someone that will always give his all. But Jonny seems to be far away from the player he was when he first came to the club for £15 million.
Perhaps it was inevitable that he would struggle after two ACL injuries. But Jonny did rally after coming back from his second one.
But this season, he has been all over the shop in some games.
He has looked sluggish and lethargic, as was evidenced by the way he carried the ball just before he made the tackle on Ayling.
He has a hell of a lot of work to do between now and the end of the season, if he is to convince people he has a future at Molineux.
Right now the reality is, he isn’t cutting it. He’s got two years left on his contract and Wolves might just be thinking about moving him in this summer, unless he can have a massive renaissance.
Perhaps ominously, Wolves were linked with Raphael Guerreiro earlier this week.