Martin O’Neill is set to mark a significant milestone in his managerial career as he prepares for his 1000th match. Celtic will host Stuttgart in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League play-off in Glasgow. O’Neill acknowledges that this match could be one of the toughest challenges they face this season.
Celtic vs Stuttgart: A Tough Challenge
Stuttgart currently sits fourth in the Bundesliga, positioning them for a Champions League berth. O’Neill commented on the strength of the German team, mentioning their physical play and the caliber of players they have. He anticipates a challenging encounter as Celtic aims to advance in the tournament.
O’Neill’s Impressive Track Record
- O’Neill has achieved 17 wins and only one loss in his 18 matches at Celtic this season.
- The sole defeat came against Midtjylland in the Europa League.
- His success at Celtic has continued throughout his two managerial spells.
Reflecting on Stuttgart’s status, O’Neill stated, “This would be pretty tough,” indicating his respect for their current form and league standing. His journey as Celtic manager includes a recent landmark victory, with a dramatic 3-2 win over Kilmarnock marking his 300th match in charge.
Celebrating a Milestone
O’Neill expressed surprise at reaching this milestone, revealing that he had not been keeping track of his games. He credited Celtic for his achievements and fondly recalled his early days managing Leicester City, where such longevity seemed unlikely.
As the first leg against Stuttgart approaches, all eyes will be on O’Neill and his Celtic side. With the stakes high, fans are hopeful for a positive outcome in this crucial Europa League matchup.
