O'Neill Seeks Unity Following European Setback
Martin O'Neill remains unbeaten in domestic matches as Celtic manager this season but acknowledges the challenge ahead after a disappointing European result.
Celtic suffered a 4-1 home defeat to Stuttgart in the Europa League knockout play-off first leg on Thursday. The team now faces the difficult task of scoring at least three goals in the return leg next Thursday in Germany to advance.
In his second spell as Celtic manager this season and third overall at the club, O'Neill is preparing his squad for Sunday's Scottish Premiership match against Hibernian, scheduled for 15:00 GMT.
Currently, Celtic sit third in the Premiership standings, one point behind Rangers and three points behind Hearts, but hold a game in hand over both teams. Hearts will host Falkirk on Saturday at 15:00, while Rangers travel to Livingston on Sunday at 15:00.
"That would utopia for us, to get us all together and feeling that this football club can only push in the one direction if everybody's going that way," O'Neill said.
Focus Shifts to Premiership Challenge
O'Neill emphasized the importance of moving past the European defeat and focusing on the upcoming league fixture.
"Tonight is gone and so Sunday is the next big thing. Naturally, a very, very strong game, strong game.
"We played them earlier in my time. They caused us all sorts of problems in the game, all sorts of problems. They played exceptionally well for long periods, for long periods against Hearts as well too. We need to be up for that challenge."
UEFA to Review Match Incident
Following the Europa League match, UEFA's disciplinary body will examine official reports before deciding on any potential disciplinary measures. The game was interrupted for over three minutes due to tennis balls being thrown onto the Celtic Park pitch.
O'Neill publicly condemned the incident after the match.
In recent months, Celtic supporters have staged protests against the club's board, with some fans boycotting the Scottish Cup home victory over Dundee.
