Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly held direct talks with Graham Potter in November about the possibility of him replacing Gary O’Neil as manager, according to the Daily Mail. However, the former Chelsea boss was left unconvinced by the prospect of taking over at Molineux.
Wolves have endured a torrid start to the season, amassing just nine points from their opening 14 Premier League games. This dismal run has left them in the relegation zone, with pressure mounting on O’Neil.
Monday night’s clash against West Ham is now being touted as a make-or-break fixture for the under-fire manager, as the club explores potential replacements.
Wolves Open Talks with Potter
Despite a brief resurgence with back-to-back victories before and after the international break, Wolves have since suffered heavy defeats to Bournemouth and Everton.
These setbacks have reignited concerns about the team’s trajectory under O’Neil, with speculation rife that his tenure could soon come to an end.
The Daily Mail reports that Wolves’ hierarchy approached Potter about the role, but the 49-year-old was sceptical about the club’s ability to avoid relegation.
Concerns over the team’s current state and the limited January transfer budget have reportedly made the position less appealing for Potter, despite Wolves’ apparent desire to make him their first-choice candidate.
Potter’s Reputation
Potter, who was sacked by Chelsea in April 2023 after a brief and turbulent stint at Stamford Bridge, has managed to maintain his reputation as a top-level coach.
Described as “world-class,” the former Brighton manager is said to have other suitors and remains cautious about stepping into a precarious situation at Molineux.
Wolves’ current struggles have forced the club to reassess their options. While Potter is reportedly at the top of their managerial shortlist, his reluctance to commit suggests the club may face significant challenges in persuading him to take on the role.
As the pressure mounts, O’Neil faces a crucial test against West Ham, with Wolves’ future—and their managerial direction—hanging in the balance.
