Wolverhampton Wanderers Manager, Gary O’Neil, Raises Concerns with Premier League over Rescheduling Everton Match due to Workload

Wolves Manager Gary O’Neil Voices Worries About Fixture Congestion

In a surprising turn of events, Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil has expressed his concerns over the workload pressure faced by his team. Despite requesting for their match against Everton on 30 December to be rescheduled, Wolves were unable to find an alternative date.

O’Neil lamented the risks associated with playing three games in just six days and feared that this demanding schedule could lead to player injuries. He disclosed that he had approached the Premier League authorities regarding moving the game to the following day but unfortunately, it was not feasible.

The fixture pile-up did little to hinder Wolves’ performance as they convincingly defeated struggling Everton with a resounding scoreline of 3-0. However, O’Neil remained steadfast in his belief that such intense demands on players are unreasonable and unsustainable.

“I’m concerned about our players getting injured due to these back-to-back matches,” said O’Neil candidly. “While I understand there may be valid reasons why the league couldn’t accommodate our request, it’s still excessive and puts our players at risk.”

Wolves showcased their resilience by securing victories against Chelsea (2-1) on Christmas Eve and Brentford (4-1) on 27 December before overcoming Everton effortlessly. The recent comments from O’Neil come amidst growing discontent within football circles regarding fixture congestion.

Rising Concerns Over Football Calendar Complexity

The Professional Football Association (PFA) recently announced that it is exploring legal options to address the mounting number of matches in the football calendar. With expansions planned for major tournaments such as the Champions League, Europa League, Club World Cup, and World Cup, concerns are mounting about player welfare and safety.

Fifpro, the global players’ union, has also joined forces with their campaign to revamp the football calendar to ensure adequate player protection. Their comprehensive report released in June highlighted the dangers players face due to an overcrowded schedule.

O’Neil added that he had “no complaints” but emphasized his desire for more spacing between fixtures. He acknowledged his team’s willingness to play whenever required but expressed concern over their ability to maintain peak performance levels without sufficient rest.

Wolves Looking Strong After Impressive Run

Despite these challenges, Wolverhampton Wanderers currently sit comfortably in 11th place in the Premier League table. The team ended 2023 on a high note by accumulating an impressive total of 13 points from their last six games.