NafisaMartin O’Neill’s latest remarks about his future probably solved nothing for Celtic supporters, but they certainly made the situation feel even more complicated after Hampden.
Moments after completing the domestic double with victory over Dunfermline, O’Neill sounded like somebody already planning for next season. Then, almost immediately afterwards, he sounded like somebody preparing to step away.
That contradiction ran throughout the entire interview.
The context matters too. Celtic had just completed one of the most unusual title recoveries in recent memory after hunting Hearts down during the closing weeks of the campaign. The pressure surrounding the run-in had been relentless, while the Scottish Cup Final itself carried added emotion because Neil Lennon stood in the opposite dugout.
Questions regarding O’Neill’s future have followed him for weeks now.
That is why some of his responses after full-time stood out so much. Managers do not usually begin discussing pre-season plans, coaching ideas and future work with a squad unless they are at least considering remaining involved.
O’Neill specifically referenced wanting time to work on things “that have never worked before” for him. That sounds like a coach already picturing longer training periods, tactical tweaks and a proper summer alongside the group rather than another emergency title battle every few days.
The humorous comment about only wanting to keep “three players” also revealed quite a relaxed dressing-room atmosphere around him, Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham after the final whistle. He sounded comfortable. Emotionally invested too.
Then the interview shifted tone completely.
He said: (Premier Sports), “That is a very good point, honestly, and that is something that you’d think about.
“You know, I’ve just said in the dressing room, if I had my way, there’s only been three of those players would still be in the club.
“It’s not true. I directed that part of the conversation about Shaun and Mark. I just said that I had a little conversation with them and they said that they would only take three players.
“No, there’s genuine excitement about wanting to do a pre-season, have people and work some things that have never worked before for me.”
Asked by Emma Dodds ‘Enjoy your rest because I have a sneaking feeling that we might see you again soon?’
He replied: “I have a sneaky feeling you’re wrong.”
That final answer felt far more decisive than some of the comments O’Neill has made previously. Earlier this week he often left small openings whenever his future was discussed publicly. Here, he pushed back against the idea directly.
Martin O’Neill is expected to hold talks with Celtic’s Dermot Desmond next week.
This comes after O’Neill completed his interim spell with a domestic double, including the Scottish Cup final triumph over Dunfermline.
The 74-year-old is expected to step aside now that his temporary role has concluded, although there has been growing speculation over whether he could continue.
He told BBC Scotland: “There were no discussions about that at all.
“Next week I might get to speak to the owner.
“If you’re asking me if I could step in after a three-day holiday, I wouldn’t have that about me.
“Dermot Desmond brought me back in the first place, I owe him a great deal otherwise I wouldn’t be here.”
Nafisa
