Gary O’Neil shares alarming fitness verdict amid clear warning to two key Wolves stars.

Wolves boss Gary O’Neill has warned two of his players about their lack of fitness.

Wolves have had a poor start in the Premier League, with no wins after eight games.

With only one point, the Old Gold must swiftly resolve their issues, as suspicions about O’Neil’s status arise.

While the focus remains on improving outcomes on game days, the manager has highlighted one flaw in his team that must be addressed on the training field.

Gary O’Neil issues a worrying Wolves fitness verdict.

Wolves came agonisingly close to winning their second point of the season in style on Sunday, with the Midlands club only seconds away from defeating Manchester City.

For possibly the first time this season, the Old Gold looked convincing for the whole 90 minutes. However, O’Neil has expressed concern about one player who shined against the champions.

The manager voiced concern about striker Jorgen Strand Larsen’s fitness during post-match interviews with Express and Star.

“Jorgen gave everything, but I’ve spoken to him a lot, he needs to get through longer than an hour before he looks tired,” according to the manager.

“I’m sure I get chastised for taking centre-forwards off, but Jorgen has always finished his race after 60 or 65 minutes. He either has a cramp or doesn’t look like himself.”

O’Neil’s comments may appear harsh, given that Strand Larsen acknowledged to leaving everything on the pitch versus City.

READ MORE: Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen makes supporters happy with admission following disputed defeat to Manchester City.

Still, the manager warned the attacker to get in ‘better form’ for the next difficulties.

“Whether it’s the change of league from Spain or anything else, it’s the minor aspects because if Jorgen is on, do we surrender a goal from a corner? Does Jorgen assist us from the corner? So simple things like that are quite essential.

“We need to ensure that we push those little edges in our favour. And Jorgen understands the need of getting himself in better shape.”

O’Neil compares Jorgen Strand Larsen to Hwang Hee-chan.

Strand Larsen’s fitness was a source of concern for the manager during Sunday afternoon’s defeat, but the Norwegian isn’t the only Wolves player who has worried O’Neil.

“Same with Channy [Hwang Hee-chan], he’s struggled to hit the heights that he hit last season,” said to O’Neil.

“He needs to sharpen himself. We must address all of the little issues that we have control over.

The management has the right to question his players’ fitness levels, but lumping Strand Larsen and Hwang Hee-chan together is odd.

While Hwang is unable to maintain fit, the Norway international was removed early versus City after working himself into the ground in an attempt to keep his team in the game.

O’Neil’s words are certain to divide opinion, with the manager’s public appeal for an increase in fitness concerning all things considered.

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