Old Firm Derby Heats Up as O’Neill and Rohl Exchange Barbs

The rivalry between Celtic and Rangers has intensified ahead of Sunday’s crucial Old Firm derby, with both managers, Martin O’Neill and Danny Rohl, trading pointed comments in the pre-match buildup. The fixture, taking place against the backdrop of a tight Scottish Premiership title race, promises to be a fiery encounter.

Rohl Questions Celtic’s Approach, O’Neill Fires Back

The exchange began after Rangers head coach Danny Rohl questioned Celtic’s ambition in their recent Europa League tie against Stuttgart, suggesting they didn’t push aggressively enough for a more decisive victory. He expressed “surprise” that Celtic didn’t attempt to win by a larger margin after securing a 1-0 lead. BBC Sport Scotland reports O’Neill responded sharply, accusing Rohl of overstepping his bounds.

“So he is picking our team? Well done old Danny. He’s only in less than a year,” O’Neill stated, expressing his astonishment at Rohl’s comments. RTÉ further detailed O’Neill’s irritation, noting his disbelief that Rohl would comment on Celtic’s team selection given his relatively short tenure in Glasgow.

Goalkeeping Debate Adds Fuel to the Fire

Rohl also raised questions about Celtic’s goalkeeping situation, specifically whether O’Neill would reinstate Kasper Schmeichel after Viljami Sinisalo’s impressive performance in the Europa League win over Stuttgart. Sky Sports highlighted this as another point of contention, with O’Neill dismissing Rohl’s input as unnecessary.

Title Race Intensifies

The Old Firm derby takes place at a critical juncture in the Scottish Premiership title race. Heart of Midlothian currently leads the table, four points ahead of Rangers, with Celtic two points further back but possessing a game in hand. The outcome of Sunday’s match could significantly impact the championship’s destination.

O’Neill Confident Despite Recent Setback

Despite a recent 2-1 loss to Hibernian, which dented Celtic’s title hopes, O’Neill remains optimistic. He acknowledged the challenge posed by Rohl’s Rangers, describing them as a “fine team,” but expressed confidence in Celtic’s ability to secure a result at Ibrox, citing past successes even after midweek European fixtures. Daily Record reported O’Neill’s assessment of the situation.

O’Neill has a strong record against Rangers, having won eight of his last ten matches against them, and will be looking to continue that trend on Sunday.