Celtic brought on Martin O’Neill on an interim basis after Brendan Rodgers resigned, hours before he tipped Hearts to the Scottish title.
Celtic appointed Martin O’Neill to replace Brendan Rodgers on an interim basis, hours before he backed Hearts to end the Old Firm’s dominance in Scotland, declaring they were “a different kettle of fish”.
O’Neill was Celtic manager for five years after taking over in 2000, enjoying remarkable success at Parkhead. He returned to steady the ship after Rodgers announced his surprise resignation on Monday, sparking a war of words between the club’s hierarchy.
O’Neill, 73, will be interim manager and will be assisted by former Celtic player Sean Maloney, who was sacked as Wigan manager in March. The move in the dugout came after the defending champions fell eight points off the pace over the weekend.
They had a difficult start to the season, losing to pacesetters Hearts and then winning 3-1 at Tynecastle. Rodgers has now chosen to step down and O’Neill was backing Hearts to beat the Hoops while he was tasked with taking Celtic closer to the top.
He told TalkSport: “This time last year you knew Aberdeen had won a lot of games early on but you knew that was never going to be sustainable. With Hearts it’s a different kettle of fish here.”
read more: Brendan Rodgers resigns from Celtic as Martin O’Neill makes surprise returnread more: Celtic owner slams ‘divisive’ and ‘selfish’ Brendan Rodgers in incredible statement
The Northern Irishman, who won seven trophies with Parkhead, also insisted: “Celtic are not that physically strong so they could actually lose the game. Rangers are not a threat at all. That said, a new manager has come in and I think he’ll probably do something in time, just like your gym. But it’s not true that they’re too adrift.”
“But now is the time for Hearts. They are eight points behind, which is a good enough lead. Their confidence is growing and it will only get bigger from this win. Everything that is happening with Hearts is great, but at Celtic they are in a bit of trouble. But I also agree with you. But now is the best time for any team other than the old company to go all the way.”
Celtic won the title in the two years following Rodgers’ return as manager for the second time. However, this year, the dissatisfaction was particularly pronounced. The club suffered a shock at the Champions League qualifying stage and Rodgers lamented the lack of investment.
Following his departure, Dermot Desmond, Celtic’s majority shareholder, issued a scathing assessment of the former Liverpool manager, claiming: “His words and actions since then have been divisive, misleading and self-serving. He has created a toxic atmosphere around the club and incited hostility towards management and members of the board.”
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