Martin O’Neill has accepted full duty after Celtic suffered a outstanding Champions League collapse towards LASK, throwing away a four-goal mixture result in crash out of qualifying.
Celtic appeared to have the tie underneath management after profitable the primary leg, however their benefit disappeared throughout a chaotic second half in Austria.
LASK ultimately compelled additional time earlier than finishing a surprising 5-4 mixture comeback, leaving Celtic to mirror on one of the painful European exits lately.
O’Neill made no try to shift the blame after the ultimate whistle.
“I’m answerable for this one,” he stated. “Indubitably.”
Within the context of issues, one was a closing which it will have been terrific to win, this was a qualifying recreation which we must always have been capable of get via,” O’Neill added.
“We all know that we’re one million miles from the completed article. That’s completely true. I believe we thought that anyway.”
The result’s significantly damaging given Celtic’s expertise of European disappointment on the similar stage final yr.
O’Neill was not in cost when Brendan Rodgers’ aspect have been eradicated by Kairat Almaty on penalties, however that defeat contributed to the eventual finish of Rodgers’ second spell on the membership.
O’Neill subsequently took over and helped restore some stability, guiding Celtic to a different Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish Cup after a turbulent interval.
The collapse in Austria now leaves him with one other main rebuilding job.
UCL failure brings penalties
Celtic must regroup shortly, however their failure to succeed in the Champions League additionally has critical monetary penalties.
Qualification would have introduced a major enhance to the membership’s funds and made Celtic a extra engaging vacation spot for potential new signings through the closing phases of the switch window.
O’Neill acknowledged that the membership’s recruitment plans might now be affected.
“The qualification for the Champions League is main, it’s main in each side,” he stated. “Financially, for status, however we have now to choose ourselves up. That’s my duty once more to try this.
“I believe I stated final week that when you might qualify for the Champions League there can be gamers wanting to return on that foundation,” he stated.
“That’s not going to be the case however we’ll see.”
