Ahead of Celtic’s huge Champions League showdown with Bayern Munich, fans were treated to a special sight—three iconic Celtic managers in their own right, standing together at the Allianz Arena.
As part of Amazon Prime’s coverage of the match, former Hoops bosses Martin O’Neill and Neil Lennon joined the current Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers for pre-match discussions. The trio, who have played massive roles in Celtic’s modern success, were present as Rodgers spoke to presenter Gabby Logan, creating a moment that Celtic fans cherished.
Between them, they boast an incredible haul of silverware, including multiple league titles, trebles, and European campaigns that have left an indelible mark on the club’s history.
O’Neill: The Man Who Brought Celtic Back to the Top
Martin O’Neill took over at Celtic in 2000 and completely transformed the club, delivering some of the most memorable moments in recent history. He led the Hoops to a famous treble in his first season and then masterminded Celtic’s run to the UEFA Cup Final in 2003, a journey that captured the imagination of fans worldwide.
Under O’Neill, Celtic dominated Scottish football, going toe-to-toe with a strong Rangers side and setting new standards of attacking football and European ambition. His tenure saw the rise of club legends like Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton, and Stan Petrov, and he remains one of the most beloved figures in Celtic history.
Lennon: A Serial Winner as Player and Manager
Neil Lennon’s Celtic legacy is unique, as he achieved success both on the pitch and in the dugout. As a player, he was a key figure in O’Neill’s all-conquering side, playing in that UEFA Cup Final and winning multiple league titles and domestic cups.
But his managerial success is just as impressive. Lennon guided Celtic to their first-ever Champions League knockout stage appearance in 2013, famously leading the team to a historic 2-1 win over Barcelona at Celtic Park. In his second spell as manager, he took over from Rodgers in 2019 and completed the famous Quadruple Treble, cementing his place in Celtic folklore.
A Moment for Celtic Fans to Enjoy
Seeing O’Neill, Lennon, and Rodgers together ahead of such a massive match was a brilliant moment for the Celtic support. Three managers who delivered incredible success for the club, standing side by side, reminiscing about their time in charge, and offering their insight on the Hoops’ latest European challenge.
While the focus was on the task at hand against Bayern, it was a reminder of just how rich Celtic’s recent history has been—and how much these men have contributed to it.
