“YOU’RE JOKING ME, AREN’T YOU?” MARTIN O’NEILL SNAPS BACK AT JOURNALIST AHEAD OF CRUNCH EUROPEAN CLASH

Martin O’Neill delivered a sharp and memorable moment during Celtic’s pre match press conference in Rotterdam, making it clear he was not entertaining any oversimplified expectations as his side prepares for a crucial Europa League encounter with Feyenoord. With the Hoops needing a victory to revive their campaign, tensions were already simmering. It was an early question from a journalist that ignited O’Neill’s frustration.

The interim Celtic boss, overseeing what will be his final European fixture before incoming manager Wilfried Nancy officially takes charge, faced the media just hours before the decisive clash. One reporter opened with a pointed question, implying that O’Neill would naturally want to “ensure” Celtic secured all three points before he departs.

“Feyenoord, this is what you’re here to talk about tonight. It is a huge match for the club. I presume you will be wanting to ensure that when you do depart you will have left having picked up three points here?” the journalist asked.

O’Neill could not hide his disbelief. Leaning forward and firing back with trademark sarcasm, he responded:

“Oh yeah, just as easy as that. It is very, very simple. You are joking me, aren’t you?”

When the journalist insisted he was not joking, O’Neill offered a more grounded but still pointed reply:

“No? OK. No, we are going to try and win the game, of course.”

It was a moment that captured the reality of Celtic’s situation. Expectations from the outside may be high, but the challenge on the pitch is far more demanding. Nothing about this Europa League trip is simple, and O’Neill made that abundantly clear.

A DIFFICULT TASK AWAITS IN ROTTERDAM

Celtic’s European journey this season has been turbulent. While fans hoped for steady progress after the opening draw against Red Star Belgrade, the campaign has instead been a mixture of missed opportunities and harsh lessons. Every match has increased the pressure, and the showdown in Rotterdam offers both danger and opportunity.

Facing Feyenoord in their own stadium is never straightforward. Although the Dutch side has struggled recently, losing four of their last five matches, they remain a force at home and a club with serious European pedigree. Celtic, meanwhile, urgently require points to climb the table and stay alive in the competition.

The Hoops currently sit on four points from four matches, placing them twenty seventh in the Europa League standings. The margins are thin across the competition and one victory could lift them dramatically, pushing them back into contention for a playoff place.

But as O’Neill himself emphasised, simply expecting three points is naïve. Feyenoord may be wounded, but they remain dangerous.

A CAMPAIGN OF MIXED FORTUNES

Celtic’s European journey began with a promising performance, a one one draw with Red Star Belgrade. It suggested the squad was capable of holding its own against established continental opponents.

However, that optimism did not last. The next home fixture at Celtic Park ended in disappointment, with the Hoops falling to a two nil defeat against Braga. The loss raised early questions about consistency, discipline and squad readiness.

Brendan Rodgers, prior to his departure, managed to steady the ship briefly with a strong victory over Sturm Graz, a result that restored some belief and momentum. That was quickly undone when Midtjylland delivered a convincing win against O’Neill’s side, exposing defensive vulnerabilities and leaving Celtic fighting to stay afloat in the competition.

With four matches played, the Hoops remain very much on the edge. Every point counts and every fixture feels like a final.

O’NEILL’S FINAL EUROPEAN STAND

Thursday’s match carries personal significance for Martin O’Neill as well. Brought in to stabilise the squad during a tumultuous period, he now prepares to hand over the reins to Wilfried Nancy once his European duties conclude.

For O’Neill, this final match represents both a responsibility and an opportunity. It is a chance to leave the club in a stronger position and to ensure Celtic’s European hopes remain alive for his successor.

Despite the tension at the press conference, O’Neill made it clear that his focus remains firmly on the performance of his team. Behind the sharp retorts lies a manager determined to bring out the best in his players during a demanding run of matches.

A CRUCIAL NIGHT AHEAD

With the stakes high and Celtic fighting to keep their Europa League journey alive, all eyes now turn to Rotterdam. A win would transform the table, rejuvenate the squad and hand O’Neill a fitting farewell from European action. Hi

But as he reminded the media, nothing in Europe is ever guaranteed.

For Celtic, it is now or never.