Gary O’Neil warned injuries aren’t the only ‘factor’ behind recent Wolves collapse

Wolves have had a difficult time recently due to the lack of depth in Gary O’Neil’s squad however, journalist Liam Keen has identified another reason for the Old Gold’s dip in form.

Taking one point from their previous three games in the Premier League, Wolves are struggling to find form amid their injury struggles.

Gary O’Neil’s side has weathered the storm of having a small squad well this campaign however, it looks as though the lack of depth in the team is finally catching up at Molineux.

While the manager was aware of the difficulties he would be presented with regarding the size of his squad when he took over from Julen Lopetegui, the 40-year-old has done a stellar job at defying the odds.

Still, the upcoming summer transfer window will be critical for Wolves when it comes to repairing their squad, with its shortages becoming glaringly obvious due to recent absences.

That being said, journalist Liam Keen has identified an area outside of injuries that he believes has caused the Old Gold’s recent dip in form.

Gary O’Neil told of the other factor to Wolves’ dip in form recently 

Speaking on the E&S Wolves Podcast, the Wolves expert was asked if he thought there were any factors other than injury that have attributed to the squad’s recent form.

In response to co-host, Nathan Judah, Keen identified a hint of “bitterness” as being a contributing factor to recent performances.

“I think the second factor for me is bred from the injuries, for me it’s almost a bitterness.”

“It’s definitely come off the hinges a little bit because of the injuries and the bitterness and frustration from those injuries.”

“The players that are left are thinking ‘We’ve been left here with very little to work with and we’ve got to try and drag out results in the best league in the world’.”

“I think that’s where it comes from, the players are knackered.”

Keen raises a very interesting point considering the current feel at Molineux being one of sympathy for the squad, who have little room to rotate at such a crucial time in the season.

Can Wolves’ dip in form be partly put down to bitterness?

The simple answer is yes, potentially.

When evaluating the mood of both the manager and the squad in recent weeks, there is an impression of fatigue and frustration, with comments made in relation to the size of the squad.

Mario Lemina was one of the players to comment on the lack of players available to O’Neil at present, with the boss himself taking the opportunity to address Fosun after the draw with Burnley.

The manager shocked many in the post-match press conference by directing his frustration at the club’s inability to bolster the numbers in the January transfer window, adding to the aura surrounding the jaded squad.

Still, Wolves have shown little sign of throwing their toys out of the pram, showing a great effort every game despite their struggles, with still a lot to play for before the end of the 2023/24 campaign.