Gary O’Neil Gives First Interview Since Sacking, Fires Unexpected Shot at Vítor Pereira

In a revealing and emotionally charged first interview since his shock dismissal by Wolverhampton Wanderers, former head coach Gary O’Neil has broken his silence  and in doing so, fired a thinly veiled shot at his replacement, Vítor Pereira.

O’Neil, who guided Wolves to safety last season under difficult circumstances, sat down with Sky Sports to reflect on his time at Molineux and the sudden end to his tenure. While he began by expressing pride in his work and gratitude toward the players and fans, the tone quickly shifted when the subject turned to his successor.

“Let’s be honest,” O’Neil began, his voice steady but unmistakably laced with frustration.

“Wolves didn’t need some massive overhaul not after everything we fought through the season. The squad was united, hungry, playing for each other, and genuinely starting to believe in the project. We had built something with character and identity. And now they’ve brought in this so-called tactical mastermind in Pereira? With all due respect, this isn’t a FIFA career mode. This group didn’t need flashy tactics or ego-driven philosophies. All the players are good and we had  achieved many together that was what we have already formed. they needed continuity and trust. No single signing, it’s all my footsteps he followed.”

The comment took many by surprise, given O’Neil’s typically diplomatic style during his time in charge. Fans and pundits alike have noted that his remarks come across as a rare instance of direct criticism, especially considering Pereira has only just begun his tenure.

Gary O’Neil was relieved of his duties  after several match loss. Despite guiding Wolves to a safe mid-table finish amid budget constraints and early-season relegation fears, the club opted for a new direction, appointing Portuguese tactician Vítor Pereira, known for his stints at Porto, Fenerbahçe, and most recently Corinthians.

Many supporters were surprised  if not outraged by the decision. O’Neil had galvanized a struggling side, built a solid defensive foundation, and showed tactical flexibility against stronger opponents. His exit, while not without precedent in modern football, felt abrupt and, to some, undeserved.

O’Neil’s most pointed moment came when he questioned the logic behind the club’s managerial change:

“We were building something solid. There were setbacks, of course, but we had identity and spirit. If the club thinks Vítor Pereira is going to come in and reinvent the wheel overnight, they’re taking a big gamble.”

While he stopped short of outright criticism of Pereira’s abilities, the tone was clear O’Neil believes his work laid a foundation that didn’t need drastic changes.

“This wasn’t a team in crisis. It was a team with belief. I hope they don’t lose that.”

Wolves supporters were quick to react on social media, with many expressing sympathy for O’Neil and frustration over his sacking. The club’s decision to part ways with a young British coach who had exceeded expectations has not sat well with sections of the fanbase.

Fans have however, defended the club’s decision, pointing to Pereira’s experience in European competitions and his record of building possession-based, tactically advanced sides.

Pereira Yet to Respond

Vítor Pereira, now tasked with leading Wolves into a new era, has so far remained tight-lipped. Sources close to the club say he was aware of O’Neil’s remarks but declined to comment, preferring to focus on pre-season planning and transfer strategy.

Club insiders, however, are said to be monitoring the fallout carefully, concerned that early tensions and media narratives could place unnecessary pressure on the incoming manager before he’s had the chance to implement his ideas.

What’s Next for O’Neil?

As for Gary O’Neil, the 40-year-old made it clear he’s not planning to stay out of the game for long.

“I’m hungry. I learned a lot at Wolves about the game and about myself. My next role has to be right, but I’ll be back.”