Joe Hart explains Martin O’Neill criticism from Celtic supporters
Former Celtic Keeper Joe Hart has explained why Martin O’Neill has been receiving so much flak from the Celtic supporters despite being “absolutely adored” by the Parkhead faithful…
The pressure has mounted on the legendary boss ever since the capitulation in Linz against LASK in the second leg of the Champions League qualifier, with back to back defeats against the Rangers following.
Win over Besiktas eases the pressure on Martin O’Neill
The feel good factor looked to be back after the 7-1 thumping of Hearts, but dropped points at home to Dundee United as well as a loss at Falkirk have increased that scrutiny on the veteran Irishman, although Thursday night’s victory over Besiktas might have reduced that pressure perhaps temporarily.
“It’s flak with love, and that doesn’t make any sense,” Joe Hart
Hart said: “It’s flak with love, and that doesn’t make any sense. Of course, we know it doesn’t make any sense, but Martin O’Neill will be, and is, absolutely adored. “
“But he knows what he signed up for as a Celtic manager, and he would expect to be getting a lot of questions asked about him.”
“And that’s not saying he’s not up to the task or he’s not the man for the job, but that’s what comes with the territory. “
“If you really understand Celtic, you understand that if you’re not borderline perfect domestically and challenging in Europe, you’re going to get it.”
The former England international believes that the supporters criticism is all down to the fact that they care passionately about the club, and also pointed out that the massive disharmony with the club’s hierarchy also adds to the air of frustration at the club.
“They’re intelligent football fans”
Speaking on Overlap Daily Joe Hart explained: “You’re going to get it because they care and they’re intelligent football fans. “
“And, there’s a massive disharmony with the board. The fans really don’t understand what the direction of the club is. And obviously the board have got their opinions in terms of the success that they had and continue to have.”
“They’re not flowing”
“That’s the thing about that club, and that is why I adore it, and I’m so pleased that I got to spend time there and be a part of it. The expectancy and the expectation, unless you are a Celtic man or a Celtic person, you wouldn’t understand, because, like you say, they’re still top.
“And domestically, Celtic have lost two and drawn one in 11 games. It’s not the reason. I was looking at how they’ve started leagues in the past eight, nine years, and they’re right up there with what they do, but they’re not flowing. The strikers aren’t scoring.”
Super Joe added: “Camilo Duran has been an absolute saviour this season. Him and Callum Osmand came on, I think, around the 60th minute, with it looking ominous, 1-0 down against Besiktas, who were flying high, a good team.
“He” (Callum Osmand) had it last year. “He’s the one who scored when they beat Heart of Midlothian 3-1, and he got to run the length of the field on his own. He scored a couple of big goals in the title run-in as well.”
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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