In this video
- O'Neill agreed Celtic competed well in spells and thought they were well and truly in the game. They conceded some really poor, soft goals, which obviously swung it.
- Asked whether the tie is beyond them at 4-1, O'Neill said he thinks it is very, very difficult. With the second leg away from home, their focus has to be on Sunday.
- O'Neill said that in time Celtic will be able to compete deep in European competitions, but not at this minute. The money is major, with clubs paying £80m for players who do not even make the team.
“…anybody who thinks that's a good idea needs their heads examining.”
- O'Neill did not know some fans had given the goalkeeper a hard time. In a game they probably had to win, he said, the keeper made an unbelievable save, or they would not be playing tonight.
- Asked whether he would stick with the goalkeeper, O'Neill said who knows what might happen. The keeper has played so many games, has had some dips in his time and has come roaring back.
- Asked what he expects from Hibs on Sunday, O'Neill said a very, very strong game. They caused Celtic all sorts of problems in his first spell, and his side need to be up for the challenge.
Celtic FC vs VfB Stuttgart Europa League | Celtic FC head coach Martin O’Neill reacts after the 4-1 defeat to VfB Stuttgart in a tough European night at Celtic Park.
O’Neill admitted Celtic competed well in spells but were punished by a ruthless Stuttgart side and conceded what he described as “soft goals” that ultimately swung the game. He addressed whether the tie is beyond reach, shifting immediate focus toward Sunday’s domestic fixture while acknowledging the financial gap between clubs competing at the highest European level.
The Celtic manager also spoke strongly about the pre-match disruption, stating it helped no one and may have eased pressure on Stuttgart rather than intimidating them. He defended Kasper Schmeichel amid criticism, backing the experienced goalkeeper to respond as he has done throughout his career.
With the second leg in Germany ahead and a crucial league match coming first, O’Neill emphasized unity, accountability, and learning from mistakes. Can Celtic regroup quickly and respond the way big European clubs must?
