“WE ARE NOT IN THE LEAGUE FOR TOP 10 CONTENDERS” – CELTIC BOSS MARTIN O’NEILL REVEALS AGREEMENT WITH THE BOARD AHEAD OF BOLOGNA FC CLASH
“WE ARE NOT IN THE EUROPA LEAGUE FOR TOP 10 CONTENDERS” – CELTIC BOSS MARTIN O’NEILL REVEALS AGREEMENT WITH THE BOARD AHEAD OF BOLOGNA FC CLASH
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has sent shockwaves through the fanbase after delivering a brutally honest assessment of the club’s ambitions this season, admitting they are “not in the league for top 10 contenders” as he spoke ahead of the much-anticipated clash with Bologna FC.
The statement, made during his pre-match press conference, immediately ignited intense discussion across social media, with supporters split between admiration for his honesty and concern over what it means for Celtic’s short-term future. According to O’Neill, the comments reflect a clear and mutual understanding between himself and the Celtic board about where the club currently stands.
“There’s an agreement with the board,” O’Neill explained. “We know where we are in this cycle. This season is about development, balance, and laying foundations. We’re not chasing positions that don’t reflect our current reality.”t
Despite the blunt nature of his words, O’Neill was keen to stress that Celtic’s competitive spirit remains intact, particularly with Bologna FC arriving as strong favourites. The manager described the Italian side as “disciplined, intelligent, and experienced,” but insisted Celtic would approach the game with belief rather than fear.
“We will compete,” he said. “That’s non-negotiable. This club doesn’t roll over for anyone.”
The remarks quickly filtered through to the Celtic faithful online, sparking thousands of reactions within minutes. Some fans praised O’Neill for removing unrealistic pressure from a young and evolving squad.
@GreenBrigadeKev wrote: “Finally a manager telling the truth instead of selling dreams. This squad needs time, not headlines.”
@HoopsOnFire67 added: “People might not like it, but honesty is refreshing. I’d rather build properly than crash chasing top 10 talk.”
Others, however, felt uneasy about the messaging ahead of such a high-profile European fixture.
@CelticTillIDie reacted: “I get being realistic, but saying this before Bologna feels like lowering expectations. Celtic should always aim higher.”
@ParkheadPulse commented: “Words like that scare fans. Hope the players don’t take it the wrong way.”
O’Neill addressed those concerns directly, insisting that realism does not equal a lack of ambition. He emphasised that the internal targets set by the board focus on performance levels, squad growth, and consistency rather than league position alone.
“The players know what’s expected,” he said. “Work rate, discipline, courage. If we do that, results will come.”
The manager also highlighted the importance of matches like Bologna FC in accelerating the team’s development, describing them as “education at the highest level.” He believes such games offer lessons that cannot be replicated domestically.
That perspective resonated strongly with sections of the fanbase, particularly those calling for patience.
@EuroHoopsView posted: “This is how you grow in Europe. You face teams like Bologna, learn, suffer, and improve. Trust the process.”
@BhoysAnalytics said: “O’Neill is managing expectations smartly. Long-term thinking beats short-term noise every time.”
Still, there remains a strong emotional undercurrent among supporters who believe Celtic should never publicly downplay ambition, regardless of circumstances.
@OldSchoolCelt wrote: “Celtic DNA is aiming high. Even if it’s tough, I never want to hear us rule ourselves out.”
As kickoff approaches, the spotlight is firmly on how the players respond on the pitch. O’Neill insists his squad is fully motivated and determined to prove they belong at this level, regardless of outside narratives.
“For us, Bologna isn’t about league positions or labels,” he concluded. “It’s about showing who we are and how far we’ve come.”
Whether viewed as realism or restraint, O’Neill’s comments have undeniably set the tone for a pivotal night. Now, Celtic have the opportunity to turn debate into belief with a performance that speaks louder than words.
