Do Celtic react quickly enough to Martin O'Neill's 'warning'?


Martin O'Neill claims last season was a "wake-up call" for title-winning Celtic, but are the club acting quickly enough this summer? In his first interview after being appointed permanent manager for a year, O’Neill admitted he expects a “tough time” for the Scottish champions in the new campaign. After Celtic enjoyed a dramatic final day win against Hearts to secure the title, O’Neill is set for another intense fight against the Tynecastle side and Rangers. "I think Rangers will get stronger, and Hearts won't give up easily, that's for sure," O'Neill told Celtic TV. “I felt like every time we played teams were closing in on Celtic more than perhaps ever before, certainly in recent times, so that is a concern.” However, the speed at which the Parkhead club is moving does not indicate a sense of urgency. After leading Celtic to the title and Scottish Cup in his second interim spell, O'Neill's appointment came on 11 June, almost three weeks after the conclusion of the season. It took another two weeks for his coaching staff to be confirmed, on the same day the players reported for pre-season training. This team is missing a manager following the departure of Gavin Strachan to West Brom. "I thought that was really important," O'Neill said of having Fotheringham and Maloney signed on for the new campaign. "We came together as much as anything and, I suppose, because the end result was that we won, then you start to feel like it was reasonably good. So it's good to have the team back." Celtic's squad is in dire need of reinforcements and more quality, but they are currently one of just two Premiership clubs - Motherwell are the other - who are yet to make a single signing. Including loans, Celtic's exit list this summer could reach double figures and there is uncertainty over the futures of key players such as Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels and Benjamin Nygren. The lack of signings so far is notable. In contrast, Hearts have already signed seven players for their squad overhaul. And Rangers - now under Derek McInnes following the move from Hearts - signed Tynecastle striker Lawrence Shankland and Scotland midfielder Ross McCrorie from Bristol City. While O’Neill focuses on preparing for the new campaign, he has had little time to digest last season’s success. Celtic won their 14th Premiership title in 15 years in impressive fashion, winning their last seven matches to secure a title that at times seemed out of reach. "I feel like, no, it hasn't [sunk in]," O'Neill said. "If I wasn't at the club anymore, I think I'd have more time to digest and think, oh, that was really great, surreal. It feels like you're just back, so I probably haven't got the time. Maybe the first league game at Celtic Park, maybe I'll think about that then, but genuinely, I don't think it's really sunk in." The grueling, grueling nature of the work and the title triumph left O'Neill unsure whether he was open totake on the role full-time this summer. But the potential for regrets brought him back to the bench. "It was strange in the sense that if I was asked about it the day after we won, I don't think I would have had the energy," he said. "And I suppose deep down, really, if I felt good in July or August or September and things had moved forward without me, then you think, oh God, maybe I wish I had stayed. So I tried to project myself a few months ahead." The encouragement of the Champions League also played a role. The playoff game is approaching - the first match takes place on August 18-19 - and O'Neill is well aware of the importance of the competition for the club. Celtic, then under Brendan Rodgers, suffered a disastrous qualifying exit to Kazakhstan side Kairat Almaty last summer, which set the tone for their turbulent season. “Absolutely vital,” O’Neill said of reaching the league stage. "If we're going to do that, firstly we're talking about trying to build up the squad. Secondly, it's preparing the players physically and mentally for these games, and that becomes very, very important. The disappointment of last season, not being part of the Champions League for having a good run the year before, I think was reflected in the performances in the league. Uneasiness is too strong a word, but the disappointment and the worry about all of that and as a consequence I think we fell a little bit, but we raised the level in the end. Now, this clash that we will be, whoever we are, becomes very important." O'Neill not only needs to overhaul the squad, but also plans to adapt the style of play. In both interim stints last season, he admits he was careful not to make too many changes and risk rocking the boat, especially after the disaster of Wilfried Nancy's tenure. But after a full pre-season, fans can expect some differences in the team's approach. O'Neill referenced the powerful, direct and attacking Celtic team of his first successful spell at the start of the century to outline his vision. “I think I can bring the two together in many ways,” he said. "I mean, having the team play the way maybe the team played 25 years ago. We play very fast, with a lot of style and with a lot of very, very good players, and I think we can combine both. When we have possession of the ball, it's great to keep it and absolutely right, but I would like us to keep it for a purpose." And the Northern Irishman is looking forward to having more time to work with the players than he did when he returned last season. "I think players can adapt, but the best way to do that and the best way to make those small, subtle changes is through pre-season," he added. "It's working with the players every day. We had a run of games last season, including European games, four games in eight or nine days, and you never get a chance to do any of that [subtle change], pre-season will provide that.