Martin O'Neill on the need for reinforcements at Celtic

Martin O'Neill has admitted he had doubts before accepting the job as Celtic's permanent manager. In his first interview after being appointed for a one-year term, the 74-year-old Irishman admitted that he faced a "difficult time" as leader of the Scottish champions. After Celtic ended a thrilling title race with a dramatic victory over Hearts, O'Neill is prepared for another tough battle against Tynecastle and Rangers. “I think Rangers will keep getting stronger and Hearts won't go down without a fight, there's no doubt about that,” O'Neill told Celtic TV. “I felt like every time we played last season teams got closer to Celtic than ever before, at least in recent times, so those are concerns.” Still, the Parkhead club's pace of action shows no sense of urgency. After winning a League and Scottish Cup double in his second interim spell, O'Neill's appointment came on 11 June, almost three weeks after the end of the season. It was only two weeks later that his coaching staff was confirmed, on the same day that the players returned to pre-season training. Celtic's squad is in dire need of reinforcements and quality, yet they are one of only two Premiership clubs yet to make a transfer. This summer's departures could include key players such as Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels and Benjamin Nygren. In contrast, Hearts have already managed to sign seven new players as part of their squad overhaul. And Rangers, under Derek McInnes after his move from Hearts, signed striker Lawrence Shankland and Scotland international Ross McCrorie from Bristol City. As O'Neill planned for the new season, he had little time to reflect on last year's successes. Celtic secured their 14th Premiership title in 15 years in stunning fashion, winning their last seven games to clinch a title that at times seemed to be slipping away. “I feel like it hasn't sunk in yet that it's happened,” O'Neill said. “Maybe during my first league game at Celtic Park I'll think about it, but to be honest I haven't really digested it yet.” O'Neill not only has to rebuild the team, but also plans to adapt his playing style. During both interim spells last season, he admits he was careful to make changes so as not to upset the balance, especially after Wilfried Nancy's disastrous period. However, after a full preparation period, fans can expect changes in the way the team plays. O'Neill referred to the powerful, direct and attacking Celtic team of his early career when describing his vision. “I think I can combine both styles in many aspects,” he said. “I would like us to play fast, with momentum and with a lot of very good players, and I think we can combine that.” The Irishman is happy that he will have more time to work with the players than when he returned last season. "I think the players can adapt to it, but the best way to make those little subtle changes is through pre-season," he added. "We work with the players every day. We had a flurry of games last season, including European games, four games in eight or nine days, and there was never time to make any changes, pre-season will allow for that." --- ## Related Articles 1. [Rangers gần hoàn tấtdeal to recruit defender Godfrey](https://banthangvn.com/vi/news/rangers-gan-hoan-tat-thuong-vu-chieu-mo-hau-ve-godfrey)