O'Neill declares his Celtic comeback post-Rodgers departure as temporary only
Martin ONeill confirmed on Tuesday that his role at Celtic would be limited to a temporary period after stepping in as interim manager in the wake of Brendan Rodgers resignation.
The 73 year old will lead the team with ex player Shaun Maloney following Rodgers sudden departure on Monday evening.
O’Neill who previously managed Celtic and secured seven trophies during his five year tenure from 2000 to 2005 shared with TalkSPORT that he was stunned by the offer.
He recounted taking a deep breath and wondering if the situation was genuine or dreamlike.
Given that the club had offered him his first major opportunity over 25 years ago with strong alternatives available it proved hard to refuse he explained.
By the time he had composed himself he decided it made sense to accept the position.
Rodgers collected 11 trophies across two periods at the club but departed with Celtic trailing Scottish Premiership frontrunners Hearts by eight points after a 3 1 defeat to the Edinburgh side on Sunday.
Major shareholder Dermot Desmond criticised Rodgers for actions that were divisive misleading and focused on personal gain.
O’Neill without a managerial position since his short time at Nottingham Forest in 2019 stressed he was not aiming to replace Rodgers permanently.
The term interim carries that exact meaning for me he affirmed.
It boils down to the club seeking a younger coach with demonstrated success to advance the team he presumed.
That perspective aligns with what a Celtic supporter would expect he added.
His earlier stint was exceptional and an honour though he recognised his era there had passed.
He reiterated strongly that this involvement is brief pending the selection of a full time manager.
I must secure victories
Celtic will confront rivals Rangers at Hampden Park this Sunday in the Scottish League Cup semi finals followed by a Europa League match against Midtjylland in Denmark.
Securing wins remains essential and that holds true particularly at Celtic stated O’Neill.
Gaining some triumphs could provide breathing room until the new appointment is finalised.
Tensions grew between Rodgers and the clubs leadership regarding summer transfers after elimination from Champions League qualifiers by Kazakh team Kairat Almaty.
Following Celtics initial loss to Dundee in 37 years this month the Northern Irish manager noted the squad had suffered major losses in attacking strength and scoring ability.
He likened it to entering a competition handed the keys to a modest car and expecting Ferrari performance which simply wont occur.
Nevertheless Desmond maintained Rodgers complaints appeared unexpectedly.
Even with chances to specify instances of hindrance or lack of backing from the club none were provided and the reality clashed with his statements Desmond remarked.
Rodgers has handled Swansea Liverpool and Leicester previously rejoining Celtic in June 2023 to take over from Ange Postecoglou.
The Australian coach Postecoglou who was recently dismissed by Premier League outfits Tottenham and Nottingham Forest is now speculated as a potential returnee to the club.