Premier League: Mario Lemina hits back at Gary O'Neil critics after winless Wolves' poor start - ‘Liars and cheaters'

Wolves have had a shocking start to the Premier League season, compounded by a 5-3 defeat to Brentford in their most recent match. Manager Gary O'Neil has faced intense criticism in recent weeks but has the backing of his captain Mario Lemina who has instead called on his teammates to help turn things around at Molineux.

Wolves captain Mario Lemina has leapt to the defence of under-fire manager Gary O’Neil following the club’s latest defeat, labelling the Englishman's naysayers "liars and cheaters".

The West Midlands club were on the wrong end of a crushing 5-3 defeat at Brentford in their weekend Premier League outing, a result which sent them to the bottom of the Premier League table on goal difference.

O'Neil's side have picked up just one point from their opening seven matches this campaign, and Lemina admits the threat of relegation is not something to be overlooked even at this early stage.

Premier League

How to watch Forest v Arsenal on TNT Sports and discovery+

10/09/2025 at 16:42

However, he also defended his manager and instead said his fellow players are the ones who need to shoulder the responsibility for the club’s poor form.

"The way we are playing, the way we are defending right now is going to get us in relegation and we have to be honest about that right now," Lemina said.

On O'Neil, he added: "No, Gary is not the problem. He is doing really well. If you say Gary O'Neil is the problem then you are liars and cheaters, because he has given us a lot. A lot of things we didn't have before.

"He has given a chance to a lot of players and now we have to give it back to him, because at the moment we are not giving it back.

"I think the fans really love him as well. Now it is a point of view because of the results, which is understandable."

• 'Worst defeat since I've been here' - Postecoglou fumes after 'unacceptable' second half at Brighton
• Ronaldo makes plea to Al Nassr to sign De Bruyne - Paper Round

Wolves finished 14th in O’Neil’s first season in charge last term, but the former Middlesbrough and Portsmouth midfielder has found his second campaign far more challenging.

A point away to Nottingham Forest is all they have to show for their efforts so far this term, having already shipped 21 goals.

"It is not about the coach, it is not about anything but ourselves," added Lemina, who remains positive they can eventually turn things around.

Lemina O'Neil

Image credit: Getty Images

"We have just one point, it is really bad, but I am really sure that we are going to come back from this.

"There's no excuses now. We have got to put our heads down and work really hard.”

Wolves face Manchester City following the international break but will try and take heart from the fact they beat the reigning champions 2-1 in the corresponding fixture last season.

Lemina said: "The game is at home and I know we are going to have the support from the fans. We are going to try everything to win the game."

---

TNT Sports will show over 500 matches from the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Conference League across the 2024-25 season. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination.

Transfers

Chelsea in advanced stages of deal to sign Simons - Paper Round

26/07/2025 at 22:56

Transfers

'The club of my dreams' - Mbeumo joins Man Utd from Brentford

22/07/2025 at 14:16