Martin O’Neill fires back on Rohl’s Celtic comments ahead of Glasgow Derby

Rebecca French

2 months ago

Martin O’Neill has reacted to Ibrox boss Danny Rohr after he made comments in the media about how Celtic should play in Europe…

Celtic’s Luke McCown celebrates a goal during the 2025/26 Europa League knockout second leg match between Stuttgart and Celtic at the Stuttgart Arena on February 26, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Wiedemann/Getty Images)

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Yesterday afternoon, following Celtic’s 1-0 Europa League win over Stuttgart, Rohr was asked about Luke McCown’s post-match statement: “No team in that league can impact us.” during his pregame media briefing.

Rohr said at the pre-match media conference: “I think at the moment we are in second position and they are behind us. I think they have lost seven or eight games at the moment. Yeah, I think in general there is no point in talking too much about the other side; we have to focus on ourselves.”

“We want to win this game. I see my team is ready to take points and then we will see the result on Sunday and hopefully both teams do their best and I believe we have a good chance of winning this game.”

Curiously, the German added: “I was a bit surprised after 1-0, they didn’t try to win the game, 2-0, 3-0, there was a chance. They kept the result until the end and I think they were just a little bit behind.”

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O’Neill admitted he was surprised by Rolle’s comments and addressed the issue while speaking to reporters at his own mainstream media conference.

Celtics head coach Martin O’Neill waves to fans. Stuttgart v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, knockout play-off, second leg, football, MHP Arena, Stuttgart, Germany – February 26, 2026 MHP Arena Stuttgart Germany Photo James Marsh Shutterstock

“What did he say?” O’Neal responded. “He feels like we’re not trying to win games? “He wants to be in some of those games! I’ve never seen anything like this. “

“We were repulsed. Stuttgart are a very good team; they are in the top four of the Bundesliga. So, yes, I was surprised that he made such a comment.”

Celtic’s Luke McCown reacts during the 2025/26 Europa League knockout second leg match between Stuttgart and Celtic at the Stuttgart Arena on February 26, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Wiedemann/Getty Images)

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When asked about McCown’s comments, O’Neill said: “Well, Luke is entitled to his comments, believe it or not, you know what? I think these games are hard. Every game I’ve been in since I’ve been back has been hard.”

“But no, I think what he probably meant was that when we play our best, we’re a good team.”

Celtics in the Thirties by Matt Cole. Click on the picture to order