Martin O’Neill has accepted full accountability after Celtic suffered a remarkable Champions League collapse against LASK, throwing away a four-goal combination result in crash out of qualifying.
Celtic appeared to have the tie beneath management after successful the primary leg, however their benefit disappeared throughout a chaotic second half in Austria.
LASK finally pressured additional time earlier than finishing a shocking 5-4 combination comeback, leaving Celtic to replicate on one of the painful European exits lately.
O’Neill made no try to shift the blame after the ultimate whistle.
“I’m chargeable for this one,” he mentioned. “Certainly.”
Within the context of issues, one was a remaining which it will have been terrific to win, this was a qualifying sport which we should always have been in a position to get by way of,” O’Neill added.
“We all know that we’re 1,000,000 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 12 months.
O’Neill was not in cost when Brendan Rodgers’ aspect had 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 should regroup shortly, however their failure to achieve the Champions League additionally has critical monetary penalties.
Qualification would have introduced a big enhance to the membership’s funds and made Celtic a extra engaging vacation spot for potential new signings through the remaining levels 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 facet,” he mentioned. “Financially, for status, however we’ve to choose ourselves up. That’s my accountability once more to try this.
“I believe I mentioned final week that if you happen to might qualify for the Champions League there could be gamers wanting to return on that foundation,” he mentioned.
“That’s not going to be the case however we’ll see.”
