Martin O'Neill, recently appointed as Celtic's permanent manager, acknowledges that last season served as a "wake-up call" for the club. He expressed concerns about the upcoming campaign, particularly regarding competition from Rangers and Hearts.
O'Neill's comments come in the wake of a dramatic title race last season, where Celtic secured their 14th Premiership title in 15 years, finishing just two points ahead of Hearts.
O'Neill noted that teams are closing the gap on Celtic, indicating a need for the club to act swiftly this summer. Despite his appointment on June 11, nearly three weeks after the season ended, Celtic has yet to make any signings.
The club is one of only two in the Premiership without new players, while Hearts have already signed seven players as part of their squad rebuild.
O'Neill emphasized the importance of squad reinforcements, as Celtic faces potential departures of key players like Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels, and Benjamin Nygren. The uncertainty surrounding these players adds to the urgency for the club to strengthen its squad.
Additionally, the coaching staff is currently lacking after Gavin Strachan's departure to West Brom, which O'Neill acknowledged as a concern.
Looking ahead, O'Neill is focused on preparing the team for the Champions League play-off tie scheduled for August. He stressed the significance of reaching the league phase, especially after last season's disappointing exit during qualifying, which set a negative tone for the team's overall performance.
In addition to squad changes, O'Neill plans to adapt Celtic's style of play, aiming for a more direct and attacking approach reminiscent of his earlier tenure at the club. He believes that pre-season training will be crucial for implementing these changes effectively, allowing the team to gel and adapt to new tactics.
