Gary O’Neil gives his verdict on Wolves’ European chances
Wolves boss Gary O’Neil has played down talk of Europe, but is happy for his players to reach for the stars.
His side climbed into the top half of the Premier League courtesy of a first victory at Stamford Bridge in 45 years last Sunday.
That stunning 4-2 success over Chelsea has also lifted them to within just four points of the top seven.
However, despite being within touching distance of the European places, O’Neil is not getting carried away, with 15 games remaining.
“I’m happy for the players to give you their honest opinion on how they feel,” the Wolves boss said.
“My message to the players is that I am not setting them long-term goals. The goal is to be as good as we can be every single day.
“Then let’s see where that gets us. We’re newish together in terms of me and them. If I had been with them for three years and knew them inside out, and we’d finished 13th, 12th and 10th, then I’d have an idea in this fourth season that we’re trying to push to get beyond that.
“As it is, it’s new and we’ve never done a Premier League campaign together. So the best way to approach it is whether it’s a Monday recovery session or a massive league game, I need you to be the best you can be, and let’s see where that gets us.”
Hwang Hee-chan is poised to return for today’s home clash against Brentford after South Korea’s shock semi-final defeat against Jordan in the Asia Cup.
In Hwang’s absence, Matheus Cunha has found the net five times and set-up two more in all competitions, while Pedro Neto produced an excellent display at Chelsea.
The prospect of Hwang, Neto and Cunha as an attacking trio will only increase excitement levels among supporters.
