Gary O’Neil Prepares for Big Game Amid Personal Grief

Gary O’Neil walks into a huge weekend with a heavy heart and a clear head.

The head coach revealed he has been dealing with the death of his father this week, yet remains determined to lead his side into what he called “a big game” tomorrow.

“The past 24 hours have been tough,” O’Neil admitted. “But I have been good at separating things. I have managed to be there for the family and the team. 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 does, we need to move on. But I am looking forward to taking the club to a big game tomorrow.”

From grief to game plans. O’Neil quickly switched into manager mode, making it clear no one in his squad should feel their place is guaranteed.

“The team is not set, and it is not like I am stuck on a starting XI,” he said. “It is ever changing based off form and what we can do against the opposition.”

Fitness boost, with one exception

There was encouraging news on the injury front. Almost everyone is available.

“Everyone is fit apart from Jack Taylor,” O’Neil confirmed. “He is really close though, so the international break comes at a good time. 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 edging towards a return, but O’Neil is refusing to rush him.

“We are just waiting for him to get enough reps in training for him to get comfortable,” he explained. “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 a recent concern.

“All fine and all good,” O’Neil said of the attacker. “It has been another good week for him. Things have settled down with the tight quad he had, and the game in the week helped him. He is available.”

Strong start, tougher test

Two wins from two against sides outside the traditional elite have given O’Neil’s team a platform. He likes what he has seen. He also wants more.

“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,” he said. “We do still need to try and do better.”

That push for better begins with a demanding trip.

“Everton will be a test. They are excellent at home, they always are,” O’Neil warned. “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.”

The emotion of the week, the form of the side, the size of the occasion — it all collides tomorrow. Now O’Neil’s players must show whether that belief can survive a serious examination.