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Football is a funny old game; that’s why we love it. The drama, the winning or losing, the wrong and right decisions and, of course, winning especially the title and cups. On top of this there is nothing sweeter than beating your city rivals. That is the first and pre-eminent task ahead of Martin O’Neill this Sunday. It is a combat that Martin will relish because he is both prepared and ready for the game. But more than that he knows that the game has already begun with pre match salvos and preparations and will not end until he is safely back in the dressing room with the next round firmly secured.
O’Neill’s experience will be key this week
We know it’s not all about Martin but he is one influential and steadying figure who knows how to handle the press and secure an old firm win. Yes, there are many people who contribute to a successful season but, I argue, none so important as the manager. Assuming that he is enabled to select his own summer signings, he then goes about developing style, shaping the team and tactics and motivating players. He picks the strongest 11 available players game by game, never complains about players not being available and has no favourites. He gives the chance but if the player doesn’t deliver then he hooks them.
So what? We would expect all managers to do as much I hear you question. You are right, this doesn’t make him the King of Managers. What makes Martin the King of Managers is his ability to read and make changes in the game. As a regular fan, I cannot count the many times that I am screaming for one or other player to be removed because he is having an off day and it’s been obvious after the first 20 mins.
O’Neill and McInnes Head to Head
Yet, with Martin in charge not only does that player need to earn his stripes to earn a next start but he gets hooked earlier that other managers would do. He is also not afraid hook the duds, introduce fresh players and to reshape the team or tactics in situ as the game unfolds. That is the secret for two reasons. The first is that the other manager has to guess and react to what Martin is doing which keeps O’Neil on the front foot. Secondly, he exudes confidence, desire and courage in his own judgment. Also, these are traits that cannot be bought or trained. This is Martin himself, the man, the legend who is dedicated to the Celtic cause. ‘Lang may his Lum reek’.
All views expressed on Celtic DNA are personal opinions and are for commentary and discussion purposes only
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