In a stunning turnaround that has electrified Celtic's European campaign, veteran manager Martin O'Neill has achieved what his predecessor Brendan Rodgers couldn't accomplish in over two years - securing an away victory in continental competition.
The End of the Rodgers Era
Just over a month ago, Brendan Rodgers sealed his own fate as Celtic manager with what would become an infamous comparison. Following a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Dundee at Dens Park, Rodgers described his players as "a clapped-out Honda Civic" - comments that effectively signed his managerial death warrant.
At the time, Rodgers appeared to feel bulletproof, particularly with fans expressing discontent about the club's lack of investment. However, his plan to see out his contract until season's end unraveled when majority shareholder Dermot Desmond decided he would no longer tolerate such insubordination.
The final straw came with another defeat against Hearts the following weekend, prompting Rodgers' resignation and Desmond's brutal statement before the emergency appointment of Martin O'Neill.
O'Neill's Instant Impact
Since taking charge just weeks ago, the 73-year-old O'Neill has overseen a remarkable transformation. He has won five of his six matches, guided Celtic to a League Cup Final, and now masterminded the club's first European away victory in four years.
The 3-1 triumph over Feyenoord in Rotterdam served as a defibrillator to Celtic's Europa League campaign, injecting new life and genuine hope of progression. This landmark result represents Celtic's best European performance in years and stands in stark contrast to Rodgers' record of 10 winless European away matches since his 2023 return.
As midfielder Luke McCowan noted: "You can tell he's been a top manager here and that's why he's so respected. His best quality is man-management - he's been class."
Squad Players Transformed
Perhaps most telling has been O'Neill's ability to elevate players who many considered merely squad members. Yang Hyun-jun and Luke McCowan, both superb against Feyenoord, embodied the team's rejuvenation under their new manager.
O'Neill addressed Yang's performance specifically: "They say to me that sometimes if it doesn't work for him, he might go back into his shell. But there is a player there. He does things that we can't otherwise do. It's just a matter of giving him a boost of confidence."
The contrast in managerial approaches couldn't be clearer. Where Rodgers' criticism seemed to diminish his players, O'Neill's motivational skills have them performing like premium vehicles rather than the "clapped-out" models of his predecessor's description.
Reo Hatate enjoyed his best game of the season in Rotterdam, while Arne Engels delivered an impressive performance that included a sublime through ball that should have resulted in another goal.
Looking Forward
As O'Neill prepares for his final match in charge against Hibernian before handing over to Wilfried Nancy, he leaves behind a squad restored in confidence and capability.
Reflecting on what Nancy will inherit, O'Neill stated: "He has got some players who are big winners. He also has a great captain. I'm sure he will lean on some of those lads and then it's about improving some of the other players. The restoration of confidence is big."
While significant investment will still be required in the January transfer window and beyond, the victory in Rotterdam demonstrates that Celtic's current squad contains more quality than recent performances suggested. Had the team shown similar form against Kairat Almaty in August, they would likely be competing in the Champions League this season.
Nancy, expected to watch from the stands at Easter Road, arrives with a reputation for dynamic, attacking football from his MLS tenure with Columbus Crew. But as O'Neill has demonstrated during his brief but impactful stewardship, man-management skills can prove as valuable as any tactical system.
The old master's final assignment in Leith represents one last opportunity to demonstrate the transformative power of belief and confidence before passing the baton to Celtic's next chapter.
