Mario Lemina Defends O’Neil Amid Wolves' Struggles

Wolves captain Mario Lemina has come to the defense of manager Gary O’Neil, asserting that only “liars and cheaters” would blame him for the team’s position at the bottom of the Premier League table after seven matches. Following a disappointing 5-3 defeat against Brentford where Lemina himself gave away a penalty, the 31-year-old midfielder expressed concern over the club’s winless streak and suggested that relegation is a real threat unless the players step up after the international break.

Lemina remarked, “The way we are playing and defending is leading us towards relegation and we need to be honest about that.” He emphasized that O’Neil is not the issue; rather, the players must take responsibility for their performances. “If you say Gary O’Neil is the problem, then you are liars and cheaters. He has provided us with a lot, including opportunities for many players. Now, we need to give back to him but we are not doing that at the moment,” he said.

Acknowledging that Brentford, currently sitting in 11th is the only team outside the top ten that Wolves have faced this season, Lemina stressed the importance of self-reflection among the players. “It’s not about the coach; it’s about us. After the international break, we need to commit to the plan,” he noted. Wolves have a challenging schedule ahead, facing reigning champions Manchester City at home and then traveling to Brighton.

Despite the tough matches, Mario Lemina believes they can turn things around, stating, “City are not superhuman. There are no excuses now; we must work hard. The game is at home, and I know we will have support from the fans. We’ll do everything we can to win.”