Martin O’Neill has urged Celtic to use their Europa League defeat to Midtjylland as a lesson in what it takes to compete at the top level of European football.
Celtic now sit on four points from four matches and face an uphill task to qualify for the knockout stages. O’Neill believes ten points will be enough to progress but insists his side must learn quickly from nights like this if they are to improve.
The veteran manager praised Midtjylland’s strength and experience, saying the Danish side provided a clear example of what is required to perform in Europe. He also stressed the importance of mental resilience, noting that mentality can often outweigh technical ability in the biggest games.
He said: (TCW), “Right, okay, well, I suppose I probably always thought this here that 10 points would probably get you, so we’re not out of it. That’s a big lesson for us to know, to know what it takes to be a really decent European team. Midtjylland have shown that and they have good experience in the side, they’ve got really good players and they have that thing that is necessary, a bit of physicality.
“You’re spot on, you’re absolutely spot on, you’ve got to hang in, that’s really it. Until you have to regroup, whatever you do, you don’t concede a second goal… I think just to play football at the top level, not only do you need ability, but you need mentality, and mentality sometimes overrides ability as well.
“Do you know what, it sounds from here as if I’m like a teacher to them but I will try and teach them the game as quickly as possible. Things that they may already know, maybe need reminding, maybe they don’t know, maybe it’s part of my job to do that. It is my job to try and improve the football club.
“Oh of course, absolutely. I couldn’t agree more. European football is where this club has always belonged, but tonight shows how far we have to go. We have to get to that stage again. We have to improve.”
O’Neill’s comments show his determination to get Celtic back to the standards expected in Europe, even if it takes time. He’s been honest about the difficulties the team is facing but wants to focus on the basics, discipline, fitness, and mentality.
Since returning to the job, O’Neill has seen a positive reaction from his players, though he knows they need to show that same level every week if they’re to reach the level fans demand.
He believes progress will come from learning quickly and putting those lessons into action both at home and in Europe. For O’Neill, character and attitude are just as important as ability.
With Kilmarnock coming to Celtic Park on Sunday, his message is straightforward, take the lessons from Denmark, show a stronger response, and start moving back toward the standard Celtic should be setting.
It was embarrassing to watch McGregor, Schmichael, Tierney and Ralston among others as the Danish side trampled all over them last night.
Our team badly needs surgery with the above mentioned four needing replaced as soon as possible as they lack pace, skill and physicality to compete with tall, fit and strong European teams, as for Schmichael he has no control of his six yard box and his positional sense on his goal line at all three goals was terrible.
Time to hand over the gloves to Vinasalo.