Martin O'Neill's celebrated return to Celtic has hit a sobering reality check, with the veteran manager openly questioning his capacity to continue in the interim role after an exhausting week that highlighted the immense pressures of modern football management.
The Reluctant Gaffer
When Martin O'Neill initially answered Dermot Desmond's call to rescue his former club, the prospect of leading Celtic again held undeniable appeal. Yet after just seven days in charge, the 73-year-old's enthusiasm has been tempered by the relentless demands of the position.
Following Celtic's 4-0 victory over Kilmarnock on Sunday, O'Neill's response to questions about remaining in charge for December's Premier Sports Cup final against St Mirren was telling. "Well, secretly you would love to," he admitted, before adding more seriously: "I really don't know. I was going to say it's a young man's game. And I'm almost talking myself out of this here. But it's been tough, you know."
A Week That Tested Limits
The Northern Irishman's schedule since taking charge would challenge someone half his age. After the high of defeating Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final, O'Neill embarked on a whirlwind tour that included:
- A dash to London to retrieve a forgotten passport
- Travel to Denmark for Celtic's 3-1 Europa League defeat to Midtjylland
- Attending a theatre event in Glasgow's south side
- Scouting St Mirren against Hibernian in Paisley
- Completing numerous media interviews
- Selecting and preparing the team for Kilmarnock
O'Neill didn't shy away from acknowledging the physical toll, telling reporters: "How do I look? Not great, you know. Not great."
Injury Crisis Compounds Problems
The managerial demands are only part of the challenge facing Celtic. The squad's lack of depth has been exposed by a growing injury list that now includes key players Jota, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi.
Most concerning is the news that both Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand require surgery on hamstring injuries, further depleting options ahead of a punishing fixture schedule.
Between now and the League Cup Final on December 14, Celtic face seven matches in 23 days, including encounters with Feyenoord, Hearts, and Roma. As O'Neill noted, "European football is where you want to be," but the current squad appears ill-equipped to handle such congestion.
Success Amidst the Struggle
Despite the challenges, O'Neill's brief tenure has yielded significant success. Beyond the crucial victory over Rangers, his team has recorded two comfortable four-goal victories in the Premiership, demonstrating his enduring tactical acumen.
This record makes his potential departure more poignant. Having answered Celtic's call in their time of need and delivered immediate improvement, O'Neill would be "well within his rights to now feel that he's done his bit," as observers noted.
Celtic's Managerial Conundrum
With Celtic's annual general meeting scheduled for November 21, the club faces pressure to present a long-term vision, starting with appointing a permanent manager.
Several candidates have emerged as potential successors:
- Kjetil Knutsen: The Bodo/Glimt manager becomes a free agent when the Norwegian season ends on November 30, removing compensation barriers
- Kieran McKenna: Though the Ipswich Town manager dismissed links, it would cost Celtic £5 million to release him from his contract
- Robbie Keane: The former Celtic striker, now managing Ferencvaros, benefits from Desmond's preference for Irish appointments
- Wilfried Nancy: The Columbus Crew manager, who led his team to the MLS Cup in 2023, now has availability
Knutsen appeared open to considering the role when questioned recently, stating: "I am here now and I am happy. It is hopeless to answer about another club. I answer as I always do - (if I leave) it should be something that is more exciting than Glimt."
Despite criticism of his operating methods, Dermot Desmond has an excellent track record in managerial appointments, with his decision to choose O'Neill over Guus Hiddink in 2000 proving particularly inspired.
As Celtic navigate this transitional period, the club and its supporters owe O'Neill considerable gratitude for stabilizing the ship during turbulent times. Whether he remains at the helm or steps aside, his legendary status at Parkhead has been further enhanced by his willingness to answer the call when needed most.
