O’NEILL CONDEMNS RODGERS’ ROTATION POLICY AND LAUNCHES HIS OWN PLAN AHEAD OF CRUCIAL RANGERS SEMI-FINAL.
O’NEILL CONDEMNS RODGERS’ ROTATION POLICY AND LAUNCHES HIS OWN PLAN AHEAD OF CRUCIAL RANGERS SEMI-FINAL.
Martin O’Neill has wasted no time tearing up the old playbook at Celtic.
The Irishman has condemned Brendan Rodgers’ rotation policy and installed his own bold blueprint just hours before a season-defining League Cup semi-final against Rangers at Hampden Park.
In a move that signals a complete reset in philosophy, O’Neill has handed Kasper Schmeichel the starting spot in goal, ending the cup rotation system that had seen Viljami Sinisalo play in domestic competitions under Rodgers.
That policy, designed to develop the young Finnish international, had been seen as a clever balancing act until now. O’Neill has made it clear that development takes a back seat when trophies are on the line.
“This is not the time for experiments it’s about mentality and winning,” O’Neill reportedly told his coaching staff this week.
Those words have echoed across Lennoxtown. Training intensity has gone up, standards have risen, and the message is crystal clear there’s no room for comfort under O’Neill.
It’s a tough decision for Sinisalo, who has handled himself with professionalism and composure whenever called upon. But for O’Neill, this is about experience, leadership, and control. He wants his Celtic side to feel ruthless again and that starts with who stands between the posts.
Beyond the goalkeeper call, O’Neill has also reshaped Celtic’s entire approach. Gone is the patient, possession-heavy system that defined Rodgers’ football. In its place: a faster, more aggressive, more vertical style classic O’Neill football.
The shift was on full display in Wednesday’s 4–0 win over Falkirk. The tempo was higher, the pressing relentless, and the team looked sharper and hungrier than they have in months.
That same energy runs through today’s lineup. Marcelo Saracchi keeps his place at left-back after impressing midweek, while Johnny Kenny, who bagged a brace, continues to lead the line. Daizen Maeda returns to inject explosive pace on the flank, while James Forrest moves to the bench.
Celtic XI vs Rangers: Schmeichel, Ralston, Trusty, Scales, Saracchi, McGregor, Engels, Nygren, Maeda, Kenny, Tounekti.
Subs: Sinisalo, Balikwisha, Yang, Osmand, McCowan, Hatate, Murray, Forrest, Tierney.It’s bold. It’s aggressive. And it’s pure O’Neill.
The former Leicester and Aston Villa boss hasn’t shied away from the symbolism either. By scrapping Rodgers’ carefully structured rotation system, O’Neill is sending a message not just to his players but to the entire league. Celtic are no longer a side built on comfort and control; they’re being rebuilt on conviction, intensity, and winning mentality.
Supporters have already embraced the shift. Many see this as a return to the Celtic they remember fiery, fearless, and full of belief. O’Neill’s decision to challenge Rodgers’ approach hasn’t caused division it’s ignited confidence.
And while the manager hasn’t directly criticised Rodgers in public, his actions speak volumes. By overhauling the tactical setup and refocusing the team on results, he’s made it clear that this is a new Celtic built on his terms, with his standards.
The timing could not be more dramatic. A semi-final against Rangers at Hampden is the perfect stage to test O’Neill’s philosophy. A win would not only take Celtic to December’s final but also validate the belief that his old-school mindset still wins modern football matches.
One thing’s for sure Martin O’Neill isn’t here to continue Brendan Rodgers’ legacy.
He’s here to reclaim Celtic’s identity and tonight, he’ll try to prove it on the biggest stage of all.
