Everything Martin O’Neill Said After Celtic’s 3–1 Win Over Feyenoord
Martin O’Neill was in buoyant spirits after Celtic produced a superb 3–1 victory away to Feyenoord in the Europa League. The interim manager, enjoying a remarkable run that has revived the club domestically and in Europe, praised both the performance and the character of his players.
“We were outstanding”
Asked about the significance of the win given Celtic’s long-standing issues in European away fixtures, O’Neill didn’t hesitate:
O’Neill: “It was a terrific result, and we played really, really well. For a long stretch of the game we were completely in control, moving the ball with real confidence. It was lovely to watch.”
A true team display
Reporters pointed to the balance of strong individual moments and a cohesive team effort.
O’Neill: “Absolutely. Even after going a goal down — a point where we could easily have folded — the players showed the usual qualities: resilience, character, everything you want. Once we equalised, you could see the belief rush back into them, and from then on they were excellent.”
Setting a new standard in Europe
Given Celtic’s troubles away on the continent, it was suggested that this victory might help remove some of the fear surrounding these environments.
O’Neill: “I told them before the match they would get chances tonight. Feyenoord are a really good side, even though they’re going through a little dip, and they’ve got players who can play. But they also leave openings, and we took advantage.”
A perfect European farewell
O’Neill was asked whether this was the ideal way to sign off from European duties, having admitted beforehand this would be his last continental match in charge.
O’Neill: “Oh, absolutely. I’m delighted for the team, but there’s a bit of selfishness there too! To win away from home is lovely — to do it at Feyenoord is fantastic.”
Pride in Celtic’s revival in the table
Celtic’s standing in the Europa League group is now far healthier than it was only weeks ago.
O’Neill: “Looking at last season’s Champions League and Europa formats, you generally need around 10 or 11 points to qualify. It’s not easy, but we’ve got two home games now — Roma and Utrecht. With the confidence the team has, it’s up to them to take advantage.”
Maeda’s moment summed him up
Daizen Maeda’s relentless pressing led directly to Celtic’s second goal.
O’Neill: “He’s a terrific little player — tireless in everything he does. The whole team was excellent, but that moment was pure Maeda.”
Enjoying the moment — and starting a chant
O’Neill revealed a light-hearted moment involving his family.
O’Neill: “I told my two brothers who came to the game to start the chant, and they must have done it! I’m feeling great now. Tomorrow I’ll focus on Hibs, but I’ll enjoy this while it lasts. The dressing room was buzzing. Even some of the Japanese lads are learning extra words — they didn’t realise some of them were swear words!”
On Yang Hyun-jun’s breakthrough display
O’Neill again highlighted Yang’s growth after his earlier comments about the winger.
O’Neill: “People tell me that if things don’t go his way, he can shrink into himself a bit. But there’s a real player there. He can twist defenders, beat players, use his strength — he’s capable of things others can’t do.
“What he needs is confidence. For a wide player, losing the ball twice and still going again is one of the hardest things in football. Only top players do that. So I encouraged him: if you lose it while trying something positive, don’t dwell on it. You’ll get another chance. He can go past people and make things happen.”
Pride in the team’s response
O’Neill finished by reflecting on the overall mentality shown.
O’Neill: “I’m very proud. We could’ve collapsed when we conceded, but instead we started to settle just as the goal went in. It wasn’t the best goal to concede from our perspective, but the reaction was outstanding. The team is in great spirits — but we’ll be back down to earth for Sunday.”
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