O´Neil admits Ipswich defeat is ´big blow´ as pressure intensifies

Wolves boss Gary O’Neil admitted Saturday’s last-gasp defeat to Ipswich Town was tough to take, as the Tractor Boys piled further pressure on the under-fire head coach.

O’Neil’s men thought they had at least earned themselves a point through Matheus Cunha’s equaliser, which cancelled out Matt Doherty’s own goal in the first half.

But Jack Taylor exposed Wolves’ defensive woes once again as he popped up with a crucial header from a corner in the 94th minute, leaving O’Neil stunned after a second half mostly dominated by his team.

He told BBC Sport: “It is a big blow for the group. Especially with how we fought to get back into the game and be the better side for the second half.

“We were at maximum and felt like we would go on and win the game. To suffer that goal so late, the nature of the goal is crazy, which we have said already.”

Wolves have now lost four straight games and are four points adrift of Crystal Palace in 17th, with O’Neil admitting he is facing the biggest challenge of his managerial career as they fight for safety.

“I have worked at this level for three years and I have never had such a struggle to help the group cope with being at this level,” said O’Neil.

Defeat.

pic.twitter.com/QsM7p4B0dP

— Wolves (@Wolves) December 14, 2024

Wolves midfielder Tommy Doyle, who impressed from the substitutes’ bench, admitted the last-minute goal had affected the players but vowed they would fight back.

Speaking to Premier League Productions, Doyle said: “The dressing room is a difficult place to be at this moment in time.

“We have to be honest with each other and figure out why we aren’t getting three points. Honest conversations need to happen.

“I want the fans to know that we will give 100 per cent every single day to try and put this right for them.”

Their next match is a crucial trip away to Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City.