Gary O’Neil has huge respect from his players – and one has said that he would even play as a goalkeeper if the manager asked him to.
There was potential for this season to be a serious struggle after Julen Lopetegui left the club when he did.
Max Kilman said earlier this season that his departure left the dressing room in a confused state. But Gary O’Neil came in and, with hardly any preparation at all, got Wolves playing great football and has produced several tactical masterclasses.
He has managed to build a brilliant connection between the players and the fans, and you can see that those who put the shirt on all want to run through brick walls for him.
He has commanded a huge level of respect in such a short space of time, and there is potential for him to do special things at Molineux with a bit of backing and more luck.
Mario Lemina says he would play as a goalkeeper for Wolves if Gary O’Neil asked him to
Throughout the season, various players have praised O’Neil for the job he has done.
Mario Lemina has now sung his praises, and the Gabon international has also shown once again that he is just the ultimate team player.
He has thrived this term under O’Neil, and will very possibly be in contention for some end-of-season awards at Wolves.
Lemina has been O’Neil’s driving force, and someone who is happy to play wherever he needs to to help the team.
He told the club’s official website: “To be honest, I don’t really think about myself. It’s never about me, it’s more about the team and the teamwork. We can solve all the problems that we have by working together. If the gaffer wants me to play in a position, even if it’s as a goalkeeper, I’d do it because I want to win.
“If he thinks the position he’s playing me is the best for the team, then I will do it and give my best. Even if I’m not playing my best football, if I can help the team, that’s the main thing. I just want to help the team and see where we can reach.”
Every team needs a Mario Lemina
You would not doubt for a single second that Lemina would be donning a pair of goalkeeper gloves if it came to it, because he is just the ultimate team player.
We’ve seen him playing so many different positions over the last few weeks while O’Neil has had key players out. He may not like it, but he’ll do it to the very best of his ability and leave absolutely everything out there. Journalist Liam Keen said recently that the star could barely stand when he interviewed him recently because he had just given everything for the team.
Every team needs someone like this and Wolves have struck absolute gold by signing him.
The £45,000-a-week warrior just gets what it means to play for Wolves, and has the mentality that can help this team soar. If every player in the squad had the same mentality as he did, then the team would do special things, because the natural talent is there.
