This weekend, Celtic is set to play against Rangers in the first Old Firm Derby of the season. Celtic, currently leading the Scottish Premiership, will travel to Ibrox to face their fierce rivals.
One individual who possesses a deep understanding of this rivalry is the former Celtic manager, Martin O'Neill. O'Neill successfully guided Celtic during the period from 2000 to 2005, overseeing a highly prosperous era. Under his leadership, the club secured numerous domestic trophies and accomplished notable feats.
Moreover, the former manager of the Republic of Ireland national team achieved an impressive record of 7 consecutive victories in Old Firm derbies. In the 2003-04 season, Celtic achieved a remarkable British record by securing 25 consecutive league victories. Notably, O'Neill's win rate of 75.5% stands as the highest among any manager in the history of the club.
In a conversation with Boylesports, O'Neill delved into the intricate dynamics of the Old Firm rivalry. He shed light on the pressure encountered by Rangers' manager, Michael Beale, and also provided his insights on Brendan Rodgers' comeback to Celtic, discussing the attached expectations.
O'Neill on Brendan Rodgers: The European Challenge
"Brendan returning to Celtic wasn't accepted in all four quarters, but if he starts winning again, there'll be no problem whatsoever," O'Neill asserted. The reception of Rodgers' comeback was a topic of debate, but as O'Neill pointed out, success on the pitch can silence doubters. "The results suggest they have a lot more to do in Europe this season, but going off the performances, Brendan has something to build on," O'Neill remarked. He emphasised that Rodgers' ambitions would undoubtedly extend beyond domestic achievements.
While Ange Postecoglou's tenure saw significant strides, O'Neill believes that Rodgers would aspire to take Celtic to even greater heights. "Ange Postecoglou did a brilliant job, but Brendan Rodgers will want to build on it. There's no doubt about that," O'Neill noted. The challenge for Rodgers, according to O'Neill, would be making a mark in European competitions, a crucial aspect of Celtic's aspirations.
Lubo in sparkling form as Celtic crush Rangers at Ibrox in Martin O'Neill's first season in charge. pic.twitter.com/T76nrFKypf
— Lisbon Lion (@tirnaog_09) June 26, 2022
Michael Beale and Early-Season Pressure
Discussing the challenges faced by Rangers' manager Michael Beale, O'Neill acknowledged the unique pressure that comes with managing an Old Firm club. "When you're managing an Old Firm club, the last thing you want to be doing is falling behind this early on in the season," O'Neill said. He underscored that the early stages of the season are crucial for establishing momentum.
O'Neill, however, expressed his reluctance to judge Rangers' new signings hastily. "I think it'll take a bit of time for Rangers' new signings to settle in. I wouldn't be in a rush to judge any of them just yet," he advised. The intricacies of settling into a new club, especially in a high-stakes environment like the Old Firm rivalry, can influence player performance.
O'Neill's Take on Old Firm Pressure
The legendary manager also addressed the early-season pressure faced by Michael Beale. "Of course Michael Beale is under pressure because the last thing you want is to be playing catch up this early in the season," O'Neill added.
Celtic's game against Rangers kicks-off at 12.30 on Sunday, September 3
O’Neill was speaking to BoyleSports about the latest SPFL Betting Odds
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