Martin O'Neill hopes Celtic can still sign players despite Champions League exit
Quick Look
- Celtic manager Martin O'Neill expressed hope that missing out on the Champions League will not hinder the club's transfer activity, following a 5-1 defeat to LASK in the play-off second leg, which saw the Austrian side win 5-4 on aggregate.
- O'Neill acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized the need to recover quickly and strengthen the squad before the transfer deadline.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Celtic lost the Champions League play-off to LASK 5-4 on aggregate after a 5-1 defeat in the second leg, having led 4-1 on aggregate at half-time. The club has signed four players this transfer window but lost key players Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels to Ipswich Town and West Ham United respectively.
Manager Martin O'Neill hopes missing out on the Champions League will not mean Celtic miss out on prospective signings.
O'Neill's side will feature in the Europa League after Tuesday's 5-1 defeat by LASK after extra time, with the Austrian side winning the Champions League play-off 5-4 on aggregate.
The Scottish Premiership holders have signed four players so far this window, which closes next week.
"I'm hoping that's not the case," O'Neill said, when asked about the possibility of missing out on players.
"We're still trying to get some players in, we would need a few in obviously to supplement the squad.
"I'm hoping that we can get some people in before the transfer deadline."
Celtic have faced criticism from supporters since last summer for the business done - or lack of it - in advance of the Champions League play-offs, which they also lost last season against Kairat Almaty.
Kasper Hogh, Camilo Duran, Haissem Hassan and Mika Baur all arrived at Parkhead before the LASK tie, but influential players Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels left for Ipswich Town and West Ham United, respectively.
"The Champions League is a big carrot for, particularly a lot of younger players," O'Neill said.
"The prestige is not there the same [in the Europa League], it's still a great competition. Obviously, the finance is still the big thing."
Reflecting on "the major disappointment" of Tuesday's loss, O'Neill admitted Celtic "should've been out of sight by half-time", at which stage they led 4-1 on aggregate.
"We did not do well in the second half," O'Neill explained
"The result's the most important thing and we got beaten. I'm obviously disappointed with myself. I have to really analyse it again.
"We could've maybe defended our box a wee bit better. I have to look at my own part before I look at anybody else's.
"You have to recover pretty quickly. You really have to. We have to show real character."
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Celtic will sign additional players before the transfer deadline
Possible · Within days
Open Questions
- Which specific players is Celtic targeting in the remaining transfer window?
- Will the Europa League participation affect Celtic's ability to attract or retain players?
- How will the loss impact team morale and performance in domestic competitions?
