Martin O’Neill has won five of his six matches in interim charge
Exactly one month has passed since Dermot Desmond, the majority shareholder, called upon Celtic legend Martin O’Neill to step in at Parkhead following Brendan Rodgers’ abrupt departure.
The 73-year-old, absent from management for over six years, entered a club seemingly adrift both on and off the field.
Celtic trailed Hearts by eight points at the Scottish Premiership summit after a 3-1 defeat at Tynecastle, compounded by escalating fan protests against the board.
While off-field discontent persists, O’Neill has successfully navigated Celtic through challenging on-pitch waters, despite initial reservations from those closest to him.
Thursday’s 3-1 victory at Feyenoord marked Celtic’s first European away win since November 2021, and O’Neill’s fifth triumph in six games as interim manager.
Under his guidance, they have closed the gap on Hearts to four points with a game in hand, and secured a League Cup final berth with a win over Rangers.
“It’s hard to say,” O’Neill reflected on his initial thoughts upon taking charge. “My two daughters were all for going for it, but my wife said I’d probably mess it up.
“I haven’t messed it up so far. It’s been great. The results are what you live by and they’ve been terrific.”
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Goals from Yang Hyun-jun and Reo Hatate overturned Ayase Ueda’s opener for Feyenoord, before Benjamin Nygren sealed the victory with a late goal.
This represents Celtic’s first win in the Netherlands since 2001, when O’Neill was also at the helm, eliminating Ajax from Champions League qualification.
“We played really well,” he noted. “There was a period where we were dominant, controlling the ball and exuding a lot of confidence, which was lovely to see.
“Going a goal behind, we could have crumbled. But we showed character and resilience and then when we got the equaliser, the confidence flooded into the side.
“I said to the players ‘you will get a chance to play tonight’. We took that chance.”
Celtic’s remaining league-stage fixtures include home games against Roma and Utrecht, sandwiching a trip to Bologna. They currently sit 21st in the 36-team table with seven points.
“Judging from last season, you are looking for 10 or 11 points to qualify,” O’Neill added. “It won’t be easy, but Celtic have two home games and the confidence is in the side now.”
Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy is reportedly close to being appointed as Rodgers’ permanent successor, and O’Neill believes Celtic are well-positioned for the new manager, regardless of their identity.
“He has got some players who are big winners,” O’Neill stated. “I’m sure he will lean on some of those lads and then it’s about improving some of the other players.
“The restoration of confidence is big and it’s keeping it going after that.
“Winning away from home is terrific – it’s not easy away from home in Europe. It gives them belief that they can come and compete.”
Celtic fans chanted O’Neill’s name during the closing stages in Rotterdam, paying homage to a beloved figure.
Having secured seven major honors during his initial tenure, O’Neill’s revival of the club amid challenging circumstances has only solidified his esteemed reputation among supporters.
“I told my two brothers who came to the game to start the chant, so they must have done so,” O’Neill quipped. “Might as well enjoy it while it lasts.
“In the dressing room, the lads are full of it.”
Luke McCowan, deployed in an unfamiliar wide role in Rotterdam, credited O’Neill for instilling the confidence needed to take the game to Feyenoord.
“His main message was that if we defend set-pieces well then our qualities will take over, and that was the confidence he gave us,” the midfielder explained.
“He’s amazing, an unbelievable character. He’s able to take any heat off a serious situation and always pushes us.
“You can tell he’s been a top manager here and that’s why he’s so respected. His best quality is man management – he’s been class.
“I’d love to have seen him 20 years younger when he probably had more energy and humour.”
I can understand Celtic wanting to look to the future, but maybe the obvious solution is staring them in the face.
With the group of players that was really struggling in the latter weeks and months of Rodgers’ reign, O’Neill’s got a big win on the road in Europe on the big stage.
They don’t do that very often. And he’s done it on his second attempt.
It just shows you the magnetism of the man. Even though he’s 73 and he hasn’t done it for a number of years, he’s still got it.
Craig: The O’Neill effect, great results under this temporary Manager. Wouldn’t mind him staying.
Mark: Celtic’s best result of the season and our best European result in years. Take a bow Martin O’Neill, what a legend.
Peter: Celtic should keep Martin on to advise the new manager. Wouldn’t that be deserving for him and the club?
Kevin: Absolutely brilliant display. Martin O’Neill is the king of kings.
Dave: Great performance and great awareness from Martin O’Neill, he certainly knows what he is doing. Well done boys.
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