NafisaWolves Manager Gary O’Neil Reveals He Drinks an Astonishing 20 Cups of Tea Daily Amid Criticism Over Club’s Performance
Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has admitted to drinking an eye-watering 20 cups of tea every day – a habit which experts warn could lead to “caffeine intoxication” and associated health risks such as an elevated heart rate.
O’Neil, 41, made the surprising revelation during a lighthearted Premier League media feature, recorded before the start of the current season, where managers shared insights into their daily beverage routines. However, the embattled coach’s comments have sparked intrigue, especially given the intense pressure surrounding his position at Molineux.
“I have a lot of tea, probably 20, I would say,” O’Neil revealed. “Yeah, I drink a lot of tea a day. I tend to make them myself. The staff sometimes offer, but generally, I make them myself. I like a cup of tea when we’re in the office, when I’ve finished work, last thing before I go to bed.”
A Habit Far Beyond the Norm
While many of O’Neil’s fellow Premier League managers reported more conventional consumption levels, the Wolves boss stands out. Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta shared a comparatively modest routine, stating, “I get through about three coffees and one or two teas.” Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and West Ham’s Julen Lopetegui, meanwhile, admitted to drinking “too much,” while Bournemouth head coach Andoni Irola confessed he’s actively trying to cut back.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou offered a more relaxed approach, explaining, “If I have what the Greeks call a Freddo cappuccino, I could be on that for an hour or so. I learned in Greece you take your time.”
In stark contrast, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said he consumes “four or five coffees” in a single morning, and Everton’s Sean Dyche sticks to black coffee with sweetener.
Health Risks of Excessive Tea Consumption
O’Neil’s tea-drinking habits have raised eyebrows among health experts. Dr. Lewis O’Shaughnessy, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Nottingham, outlined the risks associated with high caffeine intake. “After consuming about six mugs in a day, you might experience some anxiety,” O’Shaughnessy noted. “If you down between eight and 10 daily mugs, you are at greater risk of caffeine intoxication, with effects ranging from restlessness and nervousness to digestive distress and increased heart rate.”
However, he added some perspective: “To dangerously overdose on caffeine in a single day by consuming tea alone would require a prodigious drinking effort – around 250 mugs of tea.”
Tea: A Double-Edged Sword?
Interestingly, studies suggest tea may have some protective effects on health. Research published in the International Journal of Stroke in July 2024 analyzed data from over 25,000 people across 32 countries. The findings indicated that drinking four or more cups of tea daily could reduce the risk of stroke by nearly 20%, whereas the same amount of coffee was linked to a 37% increased risk of stroke.
Black teas like Earl Grey and Breakfast tea showed the most significant benefits, reducing stroke risk by 29%, followed by green tea at 27%. However, drinking fewer than four cups of either beverage had no noticeable impact.
A Stressful Role Amid Poor Form
O’Neil’s tea consumption comes at a time of immense pressure. Wolves are languishing in 19th place in the Premier League, with just two wins from their opening 14 matches. A 4-0 thrashing by Everton earlier this week has left O’Neil’s job hanging by a thread ahead of a crucial clash with West Ham.
While Wolves managed a brief upturn in November with wins over Southampton and Fulham and a draw against Crystal Palace, the optimism quickly evaporated after conceding eight goals in two games to Bournemouth and Everton.
Searching for a Replacement
On Thursday, reports emerged that Wolves have been exploring alternatives to O’Neil, with former Brighton boss Graham Potter reportedly approached for preliminary discussions last month. Despite the modest compensation required to terminate O’Neil’s contract, Wolves appear hesitant to act hastily.
Other names linked to the role include David Moyes, who recently rejected Leicester City’s advances before they appointed Ruud van Nistelrooy. Moyes’ wealth of Premier League experience would make him an attractive candidate, but it’s unclear if he’d view Wolves as a suitable next step.
Limited Squad Resources
O’Neil’s challenges have been compounded by key player departures. Club captain Max Kilman joined West Ham over the summer, while star attacker Pedro Neto moved to Chelsea. Combined, the sales generated roughly £100 million, but Wolves failed to secure the Premier League-quality centre-back O’Neil desperately wanted.
Moreover, Neto’s replacement, Rodrigo Gomes, is yet to prove himself ready for regular first-team action. The squad remains thin, leaving O’Neil and his staff with limited options as they attempt to navigate a grueling campaign.
The Future of O’Neil and Wolves
O’Neil signed a four-year contract with Wolves last summer, but the deal’s relatively low termination costs leave the club’s hierarchy with flexibility to make a change. While the manager’s unorthodox tea-drinking habits have added a quirky dimension to his persona, it’s his performance on the pitch that will ultimately determine his fate.
With time running out and Wolves perilously close to relegation, O’Neil faces a critical test in the coming weeks. Whether or not his extraordinary tea consumption fuels a turnaround remains to be seen. For now, the only certainty is that Gary O’Neil won’t be running out of tea anytime soon.
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