Martin O’Neill commended the Celtic squad for how impressively they responded to his expectations as he readied himself for what he confirmed would be his final match at the helm this evening against Dundee…
The 73-year-old has been informed that Wilfried Nancy will become permanent manager sometime between the upcoming home fixtures against Dundee and Hearts this week.
Just hours before being appointed interim boss in late October, O’Neill had openly criticised Celtic’s physical approach under Brendan Rodgers and believed the team’s losses to Dundee and Hearts left them in a difficult position in the title race.
Martin O’Neill aiming for seventh win as Celtic’s interim manager
However, the Irishman is aiming to secure his seventh victory in eight matches tonight and ensure Celtic head into Sunday’s top of the table clash against Hearts in excellent form.
He has also guided the Scottish champions to the Premier Sports League Cup final and provided a solid foundation for further advancement in the Europa League after a stunning 3-1 victory against Feyenoord in De Kuip last Thursday.
Speaking at his media conference yesterday afternoon via Celtic’s official YouTube channel, O’Neill said: “I just think the nice thing about the players is that they have responded. They’ve shown a willingness to try and implement some of the things that I think are important about the game.”
Celtic players response has been terrific – Martin O’Neill
“They’ve been great and I couldn’t praise them highly enough. But we’ve got one more game to go. For me. They’ve got big, big matches ahead and those games are really important to them, but their response has been terrific.”
“When I was watching Celtic from afar, you can form an opinion about players and then find out that when you’re actually working with them, that’s different, either good or bad. For instance, the captain [Callum McGregor]. I thought from afar that the captain was a really good player. I didn’t realise how good he is. Some players who have played almost every single minute of games here have been absolutely outstanding for us.”
O’Neill added: “And then you’re getting to know some players. And I said to some of the lads, I mean [Michel-Ange] Balikwisha hasn’t played under me. The next manager will step in, play him and find out he could be the best – and I’ve made that point to him.”
“And that’s for all of them. The incoming manager will have maybe a different opinion on some players that I would have. That does not mean I’m right.”
O’Neill was originally set to step aside for Nancy following Sunday’s encounter with Hibernian, but administrative complications postponed the French coach’s move from Columbus Crew.
He said: “You’ll be relieved to know that this is definitely it for [Wednesday] evening. I’ve been assured of it by the board.”
“So the new man will come in. I’m not sure in terms of the process, but I know that this is definitely my last game. A young gentleman’s coming in and it’s over to him. But obviously, we’ve got the big, big game here and obviously, I’d like to try and win it if we can.”
“It won’t be easy. Dundee did us a few weeks ago, so we’ve got a bit of a job on our hands.”
Conor Spence
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