Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill says he is relishing every remaining moment in the job as speculation grows that Sunday’s trip to Easter Road could be his final match in charge.
Speaking less than 24 hours after Celtic’s impressive 1–3 victory over Feyenoord in Rotterdam, O’Neill admitted he is aware the “final countdown” is underway but insists he has thoroughly enjoyed his short return to the club he once led to European and domestic glory.
“It was great to win, and I shouldn’t downplay the performance,” he said. “I thought we were really brilliant, and it was as good as we’ve played in my time here.” The victory breathed life back into Celtic’s Europa League campaign and stirred memories of classic European nights during O’Neill’s first spell as manager.
Since stepping in on an interim basis, the 72-year-old has won five of his six matches, including a derby victory over Rangers — a result he jokingly acknowledged “always helps.” But O’Neill repeated that his primary focus has been restoring belief in a squad that had suffered a dip in confidence before his arrival.
“I inherited some really good players — serial winners,” he said. “When you lose a few matches, confidence dips. My job was restoring that. Some players who came in have been brilliant, and others who haven’t played much might thrive under the new manager.”
O’Neill confirmed that discussions about his departure are ongoing behind the scenes. “There’s movement ahead,” he said. “With a fair wind something should be happening at the beginning of next week.”
Despite the uncertainty, the Celtic boss continues to savour the experience. He recalled meeting the squad for the first time on a Wednesday morning, then beating Rangers a few days later. “The appetite is always there,” he said. “Even on my last days on earth I’ll still be thinking I could do the job.”
He also offered a message to supporters amid recent tensions at the club’s AGM, calling for unity. “A Celtic United would be far better than one disunited,” he said. “This club should compete properly in Europe again — that’s what it’s all about.”
As for how he hopes to be remembered, O’Neill brushed off talk of legacy. “It really doesn’t matter to me,” he said. “I just didn’t want to make a mess of it — which my wife thought I would!”
With Hibernian awaiting on Sunday and Celtic chasing domestic momentum and European progression, O’Neill says he will wait until after the match before addressing his future. “Ask me on Sunday evening,” he smiled. “But I’ve honestly enjoyed it.”
