Gary O'Neil Prepares for Big Game Amid Personal Loss
Gary O'Neil will walk into a “big game” this weekend with something heavier than tactics on his mind.
The head coach revealed he has been dealing with the loss of his father, who passed away this week, but insisted his focus remains fixed on his players and the task ahead.
“The past 24 hours have been tough but I have been good at separating things,” he said. “I have managed to be there for the family and the team, so of course the mourning and the memories of my dad will continue over the next few days but full focus is on what we need to do here, and the team have been great, the club have been great. I appreciate everyone's support. A tough few days but as life dies, we need to move on. But I am looking forward to taking the club to a big game tomorrow.”
The emotion sits in the background. The work does not stop.
No fixed XI, no comfort zones
O'Neil made it clear nobody in his squad should feel guaranteed a place.
“The team is not set, and it is not like I am stuck on a starting XI,” he explained. “It is ever changing based off form and what we can do against the opposition.”
That flexibility has underpinned a strong start to the season and will shape his thinking again as they prepare for Everton.
Injury picture brightens
On the fitness front, the news was largely positive. Only Jack Taylor is definitely out, and even he is closing in on a return.
“Everyone is fit apart from Jack Taylor. He is really close though, so the international break comes at a good time,” O’Neil said. “As football normally does, it will throw up some new challenges, if it doesn't, we should be a fully fit squad.”
Azor Matusiwa is back in full training and pushing for involvement, but O’Neil is resisting the urge to rush him.
“We are just waiting for him to get enough reps in training for him to get comfortable,” he said. “He is doing everything in training and is doing 11-v-11 with the guys on the grass, but he has been out quite a while, so we don't need to throw him back in. We have lots of midfielders and lots of players fit. We are trying to find the right moment to get him back in the team. He is available tomorrow, we haven't decided if he will play a part in it.”
Emersonn Correia da Silva has also shaken off his recent issue.
“All fine and all good. It has been another good week for him,” O’Neil reported. “Things have settled down with the tight quad he had, and the game in the week helped him. He is available.”
Strong start, bigger test
Two wins from two against sides outside the traditional elite have given O’Neil a platform, but he is not dressing it up as anything more than that.
“I think the two wins have been excellent for us, and to play two teams that aren't in the 'big club' category, it is a real good start. We do still need to try and do better,” he said.
Everton now loom as the next measure of where his team really are.
“Everton will be a test. They are excellent at home, they always are,” he said. “This is a game that we go in with confidence and belief and I have massive belief in us. We have prepped really well and trained well.”
A manager carrying personal grief into a high-stakes afternoon, a squad close to full strength, and a daunting away trip on the horizon: the stage is set.
