MARTIN O’NEILL SIGNS OFF WITH TOUCHING EMOTIONAL MESSAGE TO CELTIC FC AFTER 3-1 EUROPA LEAGUE VICTORY

Martin O’Neill has hailed Celtic’s 3-1 victory over Feyenoord in the Europa League as the perfect way to sign off his interim spell as manager.

The 73-year-old guided the Hoops to their first away win in Europe since a 2-1 victory over Ferencvaros in 2021, securing three vital points at De Kuip on Wednesday night. The win moves Celtic closer to qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition.

O’Neill, who took over on a temporary basis in October following Brendan Rodgers’ resignation, is expected to manage Celtic for one more game, the Premiership clash with Hibernian at Easter Road on Sunday, before handing over to incoming manager Wilfried Nancy.

Speaking after the game, O’Neill praised his players for their character and determination, especially after conceding an early goal.

“We played really, really well,” he said. “There was a fairly lengthy period of the game where we were totally dominant, controlling the ball and exuding a lot of confidence. Going a goal behind, we could have crumbled but we showed the usual words character and resilience.”

Goals from Yang Huyn-Jun, Reo Hatate, and Benjamin Nygren sealed the victory and ensured the Hoops remain in contention for the knockout rounds.

“It was terrific,” O’Neill added. “Winning away from home is never easy in Europe, especially at a place like Feyenoord. The win gives the players confidence and belief that they can compete at this level.”

Looking forward to new leadership

O’Neill has been clear from the outset that his role was interim and has welcomed the club’s decision to appoint a permanent manager.

Wilfried Nancy, former Montreal Impact boss and Thierry Henry’s assistant, is expected to take over in the coming days. O’Neill has praised the players he will inherit.

“He has got some players here who are big winners and that’s great,” said O’Neill. “The most important thing is that he steps in and I’m sure he will lean on some of those lads. Then it’s about trying to improve the other players.”

The interim boss stressed the importance of building on the restored confidence in the squad.

“Confidence was very low after a couple of defeats,” he said. “The restoration of confidence is big and it’s about keeping it going.”

O’Neill’s legacy and impact

Since taking charge, O’Neill has overseen five wins in six games, stabilising a team that was struggling following Rodgers’ departure.

The former Celtic manager, who won multiple trophies during his first spell in charge from 2000 to 2005, has won over supporters with his straightforward approach and deep connection to the club.

Following 3:1 victory, chants of “Martin O’Neill” echoed around De Kuip as fans showed their appreciation for his efforts.

“I’m obviously thrilled for the team,” O’Neill said. “There’s a bit of selfishness to it, of course, but it was lovely to win, not just away from home but at Feyenoord.”

 

O’Neill’s decision to start Yang Huyn-Jun paid dividends, with the winger delivering one of his best performances for the club.

“There is a player there,” said O’Neill. “He can turn players, beat players, he’s strong and can manoeuvre the ball. It’s just a matter of giving him a boost of confidence.”

The Celtic squad showed resilience and character to recover from conceding an early goal, with O’Neill praising their mental strength.

“When we got the equaliser the confidence just flooded into the side and they played wonderfully well,” he said. “Feyenoord are a fine side, going through a dip, but they have good players. They’ll also give you a chance to play and we took that chance.”

With Europa League group stage matches remaining, Celtic will aim to capitalise on the momentum generated by this win. Home fixtures against Roma and Utrecht will be crucial as they fight to progress to the knockout rounds.

The club also faces important domestic challenges, including the upcoming league match against Hibernian, which O’Neill is set to manage as his final game in charge.

The arrival of Wilfried Nancy will mark a new chapter for Celtic as they seek to reclaim domestic and European glory.

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Nancy will be given the opportunity to put his own stamp onto the squad and O’Neill admits signings are vital for the new boss if the club wants to be properly competitive again in Europe. Celtic face Feyenoord tonight having taken just four points from their four Europa League outings so far and the interim boss is clear that additions in January and beyond are needed.

O’Neill said: “Absolutely. If you have recruited a manager, that’s fine. But recruitment is essential. It’s really important.

“I think last year in terms of Europe it was like a nice, shining light, as if you could push on. Then you step back again and it’s not so strong.

“In the next couple of years Celtic will come again in European football. They might just have to step back for a while at this minute. But recruitment is really important.”

It was then put to O’Neill that the club is aware of it and he continued: “Absolutely. I know people always say about January being a difficult window, and it may well be.

But if you’re talking about rebuilding the football club again to be able to try to compete in Europe and to be able to not have a big intake of breath when someone expects you to go to Feyenoord and win, then that is the point.

“Jock Stein said it, European football is where Celtic should be. But at this minute it’s a struggle for us.”

O’Neill insists he’ll be happy to offer opinion to Nancy if he wants it and said: “Advice is rather strong. It’s telling someone you do this, you do that! Opinion is opinion

“I think one of the unfortunate things for me with the length of time I have been in is that I’ve not got to know all the players.

“You are trying to make judgements on some players on the training ground when it doesn’t really matter how well players train, or how badly they train, it’s on the field of play that you find out.

BBC Scotland Sport