Martin O’Neill has warned Celtic that their recent habit of leaving it until the very last moment cannot continue, as they prepare to face Stuttgart in the Europa League.
It’s been widely recognised that leaving it late pattern is unsustainable, and now the manager has echoed that.
The Celtic manager has watched his side rescue results deep into stoppage time in three successive matches. Twice in the league, once in the cup.
A 97th-minute winner was needed to beat Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Sunday, while late goals were also required to get past Dundee and Livingston.
While the drama has delivered points, O’Neill is under no illusions about the risks involved.
Speaking ahead of the European tie against Stuttgart, O’Neill admitted the pattern is not something his side can rely on.
He said: [SunSport]
“It is unsustainable. There’s no question of it. It is, absolutely.
“No, personally speaking, I think we have shown a spirit.
“I think the lads do keep going.
“But at the end of it all, it seems as if it’s something that you’re almost planning. It’s not. It’s not. And it’s not good for my heart at all.
“But it’s not something you’re planning. And just because it’s happened in three very, very quick games, we could play this game and we could concede in the 93rd minute.
“The only thing I will say about it is that I genuinely do believe that they want to keep going.
“But we’re getting away with it. I know this.
“I’m hoping against Stuttgart that we get on the front-foot early. Let’s go and do something.
“Try and do something about the game. If you allow Stuttgart just to get into a pattern of a game, you know, be able to, then they would be very strong.”
The fighting spirit has been admirable, but against opponents of Stuttgart’s quality, relying on last-gasp moments may finally prove costly. Even in Scotland, it happening three times in a row is unheard of, but Celtic have made it work.
It’s a two-legged tie against the Bundesliga team, so you’re hoping that Celtic can take a lead to Germany and have something to play for in front of a bumper away allocation.
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