Wolves manager Gary O’Neil is facing a significant challenge in bringing out the best in one of his key assets at Molineux.
As Wolves languish at the bottom of the Premier League table with just one point after seven games, the pressure on O’Neil is mounting. The international break offered a brief respite for the team, but the manager is left pondering how to spark a turnaround as they prepare to resume domestic action.
Despite some promising moments, Wolves have struggled to maintain a consistent level of performance throughout matches, often faltering in the second half. While there isn’t a singular scapegoat for their woes, O’Neil expects more from his players as they strive to climb out of the league’s basement.
Interestingly, O’Neil has singled out Matheus Cunha for improvement, urging the Brazilian forward to elevate his game even further. Cunha has been a bright spot for Wolves, netting three goals in the league, but the manager believes there is room for him to excel beyond his current output.
However, O’Neil’s tactical decisions may be hindering Cunha’s impact. Shifting to a back four with three midfielders has altered Cunha’s role, robbing him of the creative freedom he enjoyed in the number 10 position during pre-season. While O’Neil justifies the change by highlighting Cunha’s potential as a transition threat, it is evident that the player is not operating at his peak in the current setup.
Ultimately, O’Neil faces a balancing act between team structure and individual performance, with Cunha’s abilities seemingly compromised by the tactical shift. If Wolves are to revive their season, O’Neil must find a way to unleash Cunha’s full potential within the team dynamics, striking a harmonious blend for success at Molineux.
Thankfully, the ex-Atletico Madrid star shows versatility in his attacking role. However, considering the time it took for the £60k-a-week player to settle at Molineux, adjusting his preferred position seems like a dubious choice now.
With Wolves needing a boost to their season, O’Neil should recognize that Cunha is crucial to sparking progress.
