Celtic star responds to Martin O'Neill exit rumours
Celtic midfielder Mika Baur has admitted that he was relieved to learn of Martin O'Neill's decision to remain in charge of the Parkhead club.
The Hoops headed into the extended international break in full-on crisis mode after losing three games in the space of a week, including a double whammy against hated rivals Rangers.
O'Neill faced heavy media scrutiny even though Celtic were still top of the Premiership at the break, and while there was no serious threat of the sack, the 74-year-old was forced to reflect on his position in the first week of the international period.
He ultimately came to the conclusion that resigning would be an overreaction. Speaking to club media earlier this week, the veteran manager revealed that he is refreshed and "raring to go" for the rest of the season.
"I want to lead the club," O'Neill insisted. "I want to try and win the league, which is what I set out to do, and I am just as determined now as ever before. It was a time of reflection for a moment or two, some things you think about, but I am back and raring to go, and the team is ready."
Baur delighted with Celtic stability
While O'Neill was forced to mull over his future during the break, summer signing Mika Baur made history by becoming just the second active Germany international in Celtic history after Andreas Hinkel in 2008.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a breakout season with Paderborn in the 2. Bundesliga and helped them get promoted to the first tier, which prompted Celtic to splash out €6.3 million this summer. The versatile midfield dynamo has already scored twice in 10 appearances for the Hoops.
Despite his encouraging early-season form at Parkhead, his call-up to Jurgen Klopp's whopping 44-man Germany squad came as a surprise. Baur admits that he was starstruck when he met the legendary former Liverpool manager.
"It felt surreal when I was there on the first day and was shaking everyone’s hands, especially Jurgen’s," he said. "But you feel very quickly that he’s just a normal guy and he’s not showing you something else."
When asked about his club boss, Baur was similarly complimentary, insisting that he is delighted that O'Neill has decided to keep going. "I just read it online like the other players," he explained.
"But absolutely, I was glad the coaching staff is still the same. I've only been here for seven weeks now, and some things still feel new. If a new coaching staff would come in, it would be new again or even more."
Baur is convinced that Celtic will get back on track after the break, starting with their short trip to Motherwell on Sunday. The 22-year-old declared: "I’m really positive we can improve and get back on a winning streak."
