Martin O’Neill says Celtic will “get on with it” after a 4-1 first-leg deficit to VfB Stuttgart, with almost the entire squad travelling. Betting angle: Stuttgart remain favourites to progress, but punters might find value on Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 goals, or backing Celtic to win the match outright as a higher-risk play.
Stuttgart 4-1 up as Celtic vow to “get on with it” ahead of decisive second leg
O’Neill insists squad ready despite difficult deficit
Martin O’Neill maintained a defiant tone ahead of the Europa League play-off second leg, insisting Celtic will approach the return fixture on the front foot despite trailing VfB Stuttgart 4-1 from the first leg. Only Julian Araujo remained at home; the rest of the squad made the trip, with selection decisions to be finalised on matchday. O’Neill emphasised the club owes travelling supporters a committed performance.
Team selection and rotation dilemma with a big domestic game looming
Balancing squad rotation with a high-profile domestic fixture on Sunday is a clear dilemma, but O’Neill rejected the idea of fielding a “weakened” team. He pointed to healthy competition for places and recent additions to the squad as reasons any XI chosen will still be capable. The manager stressed the players are in good form and determined to make the tie “interesting.”
On the tie: Stuttgart quality recognised but Celtic view scoreline as harsh
While praising Stuttgart as a “very, very fine side,” O’Neill said re-watching the first leg left him unconvinced the scoreline reflected the full story. Celtic missed chances and conceded avoidable goals, he said, and if his team can convert opportunities at the Neckarstadion they will create openings to mount a comeback. Pride and ambition will drive Celtic to try and impose themselves rather than sit back.
European experience and the bigger picture
O’Neill framed the tie within Celtic’s wider European ambitions, recalling strong recent continental efforts and the value of knockout learning. He highlighted examples from other underdog sides in Europe as proof that surprises can happen, though he acknowledged such results are exceptions rather than the rule.
VAR criticism after Trusty appeal rejected
On domestic matters, O’Neill criticised the VAR process after Auston Trusty’s red card appeal failed. He described a situation in which the referee had seen the incident and initially deemed it nothing, only for VAR intervention to prompt a reversal. The manager labelled that approach “ridiculous,” suggesting the current system can undermine referees and lead to inconsistent outcomes.
Match outlook and what to expect
Tactical approach
Expect Celtic to press and seek early momentum rather than bunker. O’Neill’s comments signal an intent to create chances and force Stuttgart out of their rhythm, even if that entails risk.
Key factors for the second leg
- Clinical finishing: Celtic must convert the opportunities they create.
- Defensive discipline: Avoiding poor, avoidable goals will be crucial.
- Mentality: Pride and ambition are prominent themes; motivation will matter on the night.
Bottom line
Celtic travel with belief and an attacking mindset, but Stuttgart hold a substantial aggregate advantage. The tie is far from over in footballing terms, yet the visitors must be sharper in front of goal and more prudent defensively to overturn the deficit.
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Martin O’Neill spoke to the media at VfB Stuttgart’s Neckarstadion this evening ahead of tomorrow night’s Europa League play-off second leg against the Bundesliga side who lead 4-1 from the firs...
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