Celtic supervisor Martin O’Neill expressed disappointment after his crew’s 4-1 loss to Stuttgart within the first leg of the Europa League play-off spherical at Celtic Park.
Match Abstract
Bilal El Khannouss scored twice round a Benjamin Nygren purpose within the first half, giving Stuttgart a robust lead. Jamie Leweling and substitute Tiago Tomas added late objectives to seal the victory.
The consequence leaves Celtic dealing with a frightening problem within the return leg in Germany subsequent Thursday. O’Neill, marking his 1,000th recreation as supervisor at age 73, acknowledged the difficulties forward.
O’Neill Assesses the Defeat
“It is a robust night for us,” O’Neill acknowledged. “On paper, 4-1 seems to be fairly poor, however we have been masters of our personal downfall in lots of facets.”
He highlighted poor concessions, noting the rating was 1-1 and even 2-1 at levels the place Celtic remained aggressive. “It is a robust ask to get by the tie. You are touring to a facet fourth within the Bundesliga, very able to successful this competitors.”
O’Neill emphasised Celtic’s present standing: “At some stage, Celtic will develop into a top-quality crew, however that is sooner or later. At this minute, our battles are elsewhere.” He pointed to monetary disparities, with Scottish golf equipment competing in opposition to Premier League and Bundesliga groups spending £40 million on gamers.
Fan Protest Disrupts Begin
The match confronted a delay shortly after kickoff when supporters threw tennis balls onto the pitch in a protest in opposition to the board. Stewards and gamers cleared the objects.
O’Neill criticized the motion: “Anybody who thinks that’s a good suggestion wants their head examined.” He recalled Celtic Park’s previous intimidating environment, which deterred groups like Juventus. “That type of factor doesn’t assist in any respect. What it does is let Stuttgart know there’s infighting happening.”
Schmeichel Underneath Scrutiny
Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel bore accountability for 2 objectives and drew boos from some followers within the second half. O’Neill defended the 39-year-old: “Kasper Schmeichel has made some huge saves since I have been on the membership. Within the recreation in opposition to Feyenoord, he pulled off an amazing save that will have stored us in Europe.”
He dismissed the boos: “It is a collective. I did not hear any boos. I genuinely do not know.”
McGregor’s Outlook
Captain Callum McGregor admitted little past satisfaction stays at stake in Germany. “They scored at good instances,” he stated. “I do not suppose it is a 4-1 recreation; we had good moments. The objectives killed our momentum, particularly the third.”
McGregor remained defiant: “We now have to maintain going, preserve combating with so many huge video games forward. That will not outline the season.” He shifted focus to the upcoming match in opposition to Hibs on Sunday and reclaiming satisfaction in Stuttgart.
