Celtic Must Repay Fans in Stuttgart, Urges O’Neill
In the lead-up to Celtic’s crucial Europa League match against Stuttgart, interim manager Martin O’Neill emphasized the importance of the game for the team and its supporters. After a disappointing 4-1 loss to Stuttgart in Glasgow, Celtic now faces a tough challenge, needing to win by three goals to extend the tie to extra time.
Celtic’s Current Standing
As it stands, Celtic is third in the Premiership standings, following a recent home defeat to Hibernian. The reigning champions are trailing behind their Glasgow rivals and league leaders, Hearts. With an upcoming derby against Rangers on the horizon, O’Neill may choose to rest some key players for the trip to Germany.
Players and Team Dynamics
Despite the possibility of resting players, O’Neill firmly rejects the idea of fielding a weakened squad. “Preparations have been absolutely fine,” he stated. He highlighted that many available players are eager to compete and show their capabilities, thanks to a competitive environment within the squad.
- Key Players: Julian Araujo is the only player excused from the trip due to fitness concerns.
- Traveling Fans: O’Neill acknowledged the financial commitment of the supporters, emphasizing the team’s duty to deliver a solid performance.
Looking Ahead to Stuttgart
O’Neill regards Stuttgart as a formidable opponent, especially after their convincing first-leg victory. “They are a very fine side,” he remarked, though he believes that the scoreline did not fully reflect the competitiveness of the match. Celtic had its opportunities and even at 3-1, the game was still within reach.
Strategic Focus
Going into the match, O’Neill insists on maintaining a fighting spirit. He noted the team’s past successes, including a strong performance against Feyenoord and a commendable effort in Bologna despite being a man down. The aim is to build on these experiences and strive for improvement in European competitions.
O’Neill’s leadership hinges on restoring confidence in the players and making the most out of the given situation, urging the team to rise to the occasion for their traveling fans.
