O’Neill Reflects on Celtic’s European Journey, Feyenoord Clash, and Iheanacho
Interim manager Martin O’Neill has addressed the media ahead of Celtic’s important Europa League match against Feyenoord. The match is scheduled for Thursday. O’Neill’s comments shed light on the current state of the team and his future.
Managerial Transition at Celtic
During the press conference, O’Neill indicated that there are no updates regarding the appointment of a permanent manager. He acknowledged that his interim role will conclude soon, with reports suggesting that Wilfried Nancy is set to take over.
Match Preview: Celtic vs. Feyenoord
O’Neill expressed a desire for a proper farewell at Celtic Park through a European match but noted the challenges ahead. He described the upcoming clash against Feyenoord as “difficult,” despite the Dutch team facing recent struggles.
Celtic’s Confidence Heading into the Match
Despite a less-than-ideal performance in their recent victory against St Mirren, O’Neill stated that Celtic approaches the match with confidence. The team aims to improve after a narrow win that was not reflective of their best play.
Historical Context
The manager also reminisced about the historical connection between Celtic and Feyenoord. He recalled the 1970 European Cup final, where Feyenoord triumphed over Celtic, causing significant disappointment among fans. O’Neill emphasized the importance of this history in preparing for the match.
Player Updates
- Kelechi Iheanacho is back in training after missing the last six matches due to injury.
- Marcelo Saracchi has also returned to training, boosting squad options.
Injury Concerns
O’Neill expressed frustration over the number of unavailable players during his interim tenure. He highlighted the need for a fit squad to compete effectively, indicating that injuries have hindered team performance.
As Celtic prepares for this critical Europa League encounter, O’Neill remains hopeful for a positive outcome, keeping the club’s rich history and current challenges in mind.
