O’Neill says Celtic decision was made quickly after difficult run

Martin O’Neill has said he was never seriously considering leaving Celtic after a difficult run of three consecutive defeats. The 74-year-old manager signed a one-year contract following two interim spells last season, which ended with Celtic winning both the league title and the Scottish Cup.

The sequence included a 1-0 home defeat by Rangers and a 3-1 loss to Ferencvaros in the Europa League. O’Neill admitted that the setbacks prompted him to question his position, but said the decision to continue came quickly. The international break gave him some time to reflect, while the club’s support remained decisive.

O’Neill is now preparing Celtic for Sunday’s Premiership trip to Motherwell and a demanding schedule of nine matches across 28 days before the next international break. He said last season’s success had strengthened his motivation, adding that he still believes in the squad and wants the team to focus on winning the league. O’Neill also pointed to his seven trophies from his first Celtic spell between 2000 and 2005, while acknowledging the continuing pressure of management.

ColdMath take

O’Neill remains in charge for the next phase, with Celtic facing a concentrated run of nine matches and a clear league objective. Sunday’s visit to Motherwell will be the first immediate test of that renewed commitment.

The manager’s decision keeps the club’s plan stable after the recent setbacks and places emphasis on recovery, consistency and maintaining the title challenge.