The Martin O’Neill era at Celtic is sadly over.
This second spell from Celtic’s legendary coach was short-lived compared to his trophy-crazy first spell, but it’s exactly what the club needed, given the problems of this season.
Celtic were in the dumps when Brendan Rodgers left in October, but O’Neill came in, won seven out of his eight games in charge, including beating Dundee on Wednesday night in his final match.
It was a brilliant send-off for O’Neill, and after the game, Celtic’s social media account released footage of what their iconic coach said to the players from inside the dressing room.
What Martin O’Neill told the Celtic players from inside the dressing room after beating Dundee
Supporters don’t get to see what happens or is said behind the four walls of their clubs. But this footage from Celtic was truly brilliant.
It’s O’Neill at his best, in full flow, a lot of humour, and showcasing why he is regarded as one of the great coaches and man-managers of the game.
From how he told Celtic summer signing Benjamin Nygren that he is ‘fourth on the list’ when it comes to his favourite people from Sweden, to singling out Liam Scales’ immense performances.
It’s brilliant and a must-watch.
At first, Martin O’Neill is seen hugging the players, even ones that didn’t even feature, such as the injured Kelechi Iheanacho, as well as telling players like Yang to ‘keep it going.’
“Seriously, it has been an absolute privilege,” said O’Neill to the dressing room. “A privilege for me. To come back here and work with you lot.
“I couldn’t say anything higher than you have just been really, really fantastic. I came here when I was 73, after the Falkirk game, I thought I was 95.
“But now I am 23 again. I am 23 because of you. It has been a privilege to work with you. A genuine privilege.
“Young man (points at Nygren). I love the Swedes. You being one of the top Swedes. (Bjorn) Borg’s my big hero. ABBA are a fantastic group. And Henrik Larsson is just sensational. You are number four, alright (room laughs). Number four on the list.
O’Neill then goes towards Johnny Kenny and hugs him before seeing Scales: “Ahh, Scalesly. Phenomenal season. Big moments. Big players. Big moments, so I can’t ask for any more.”
Martin O’Neill’s final words to the Celtic players from inside the dressing room
O’Neill singles out Callum McGregor in front of Celtic players
That’s when O’Neill stands in the middle of the dressing room with Celtic captain Callum McGregor.
O’Neill continually tells the rest of the room that McGregor was ‘sensational’ from ‘start to finish’, before signing off.
“Sensational,” said O’Neill whilst holding McGregor. “Honestly, from start to finish. No, I would like to say that in front of the rest of them. No, just one more time (McGregor chuckles). You were sensational.
“That’s it, lads.”
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