If you want to get into a war of words with Martin O’Neill, you best come prepared.
That’s exactly what Danny Rohl didn’t do, as he previewed Sunday’s Glasgow Derby at Ibrox.
The Rangers manager said that he was surprised that Celtic didn’t try to win their tie against Stuttgart on Thursday, overstepping the mark in a show of likely deliberate ignorance.
When informed of these comments at his pre-derby press conference, O’Neill didn’t disappoint.
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Martin O’Neill shuts down Danny Rohl before Celtic vs Rangers
When told about Rohl’s statement, the interim Hoops boss said: “He thought we didn’t try to win the tie?
“He wants to be involved in some of these games!”
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Martin O’Neill
“Yeah, I never saw it like that.
“We were driven back because they’re actually a very, very good team – in the top four in the Bundesliga.
“So yeah, I’m surprised that he’s made a comment like that…”
Rohl also hit back at Luke McCowan’s claim that no one in the country can get near Celtic when they’re at their best.
In his own response, O’Neill said: “Well, Luke’s entitled to his comments, believe it or not, you know?
“I think these games are hard, every game I’ve been involved in since I’ve come back, I’ve found it difficult.
“But no, what I think he probably meant was that we’re a fine side when we’re playing at our very best.”
O’Neill and Rohl have faced off before, in just the second match after the Irishman was drafted in to replace Brendan Rodgers on an interim basis.
In the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden, Celtic knocked Rangers out after extra-time, in the Hoops’ only win over their city rivals in the year of 2025.
Is the title race officially over if Celtic lose this weekend?