In this video
- O'Neill said preparations have been fine and everybody except one player has travelled. The team will be decided tomorrow, and they owe it to the fans who spent money to come.
- Asked whether fans might want a weakened side before a big game on Sunday, O'Neill said every player in the squad has played in the first team. Whatever side he picks will not be weakened.
- O'Neill has watched the first leg back twice and said that, to him, it was never 4-1. His side gave away very poor goals and missed decent chances, and he wants to make it interesting.
“We could get beaten in the game, but we're certainly going to try and make a fist of this. No question about that.”
- Asked about another club's wins over Inter, O'Neill called it a major shock that gives everybody a little hope. An artificial pitch helps, but he sees it as the exception that proves the rule.
- Asked about Austin Trusty's failed appeal, O'Neill said the referee had seen the incident and called it nothing before VAR had him change his mind. He called it ridiculous, and his player has missed three games.
- O'Neill said that in time there will be no need for a referee, because VAR will do it from wherever they are. Being told you did not see what you saw has to be debilitating for a referee.
- The Celtic player who joined him said the coach has already said it is still not over. They conceded some goals too easily and have to avoid that, but there is a lot of quality in the team.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill insists the comeback is still possible as his side prepares for a huge European test away from home, while also strongly criticising a recent VAR decision.
Despite trailing 4-1 from the first leg against VfB Stuttgart, Martin O’Neill believes the tie was closer than the scoreline suggested. He admitted Celtic conceded “very poor goals” but stressed the performance itself showed they can compete.
The manager confirmed only Julian was left at home, with the rest of the squad travelling, and rejected any suggestion of fielding a weakened side ahead of a crucial domestic clash. He emphasised pride, responsibility to travelling fans, and the importance of embracing knockout European football.
O’Neill also voiced frustration over VAR after an unsuccessful appeal involving Auston Trusty, arguing that the referee had clearly seen the incident before being urged to overturn his decision. He described the situation as “ridiculous” and questioned how referees can maintain authority when VAR intervenes despite the on-field official being certain.
With belief still alive and lessons learned from the first leg, Celtic aim to make the second leg competitive and restore pride on the European stage.
Can Celtic defy the odds and produce a dramatic comeback?
