Martin O’Neill is looking forward to a milestone that carries great significance in his career as he prepares for his 1,000th match in professional football management. The upcoming clash between Celtic and Stuttgart will mark this achievement, a feat O’Neill was unaware of until recently. At 73 years old, O’Neill is currently in his second spell as manager of Celtic—a role he previously held from 2000 to 2005.
Reflecting on his return to Celtic, O’Neill expressed that his main concern was the potential to tarnish the legacy he established over two decades ago. “When I came here in the first spell my biggest worry was not ruining anything from 20-odd years ago,” he admitted. Yet, he acknowledges that overcoming such apprehensions has been rewarding: “Of course you like showing you can still win, you’d be telling lies otherwise.”
O’Neill is joining an elite group in the League Managers Association’s 1,000-game roll of honour, which includes the likes of legendary figures such as Alex Ferguson, Brian Clough, Jürgen Klopp, and José Mourinho. His journey began in Wycombe in 1990, and he fondly recalled the challenges he faced early on in his managerial career, including a failed interview for the Bradford City job in 1987.
Now, his focus shifts to the upcoming matches against Borussia Stuttgart, who are currently ranked fourth in the Bundesliga and the favorites in their two-leg playoff for the last 16 of the Europa League. O’Neill seems undaunted by the challenge. “If you can compete here with them, then it surely must give you confidence,” he said ahead of the first leg. His approach centers on focusing on his team’s capabilities rather than the strength of their opponents.
Stuttgart’s head coach, Sebastian Hoeness, has also acknowledged the threat posed by Celtic. He noted, “Celtic have individual class and they’ve strengthened again in the winter,” highlighting the competitive edge that Celtic maintains in European competitions.
As O’Neill prepares to hit this significant milestone, he exemplifies the spirit of resilience and determination, serving as an inspiration for managers at all levels of the game. His experience and strategic mindset may very well lead to a thrilling campaign in Europe as Celtic strives to make an impact on the international stage.