Celtic Secure First Dutch Victory in 22 Years Amid Managerial Transition
ROTTERDAM, Netherlands – Celtic claimed a historic 3-2 victory over Feyenoord on Thursday, marking their first win in the Netherlands since 2001. Goals from Yang Hyun-jun and Reo Hatate overturned ayase Ueda’s opener for the hosts, with Benjamin Nygren sealing the landmark result late in the game. The win provides a meaningful boost for the club as they navigate a managerial search following the departure of Brendan Rodgers.
This victory echoes a similar triumph for Celtic under then-manager Martin O’Neill in 2001, when they eliminated Ajax from Champions League qualifying. O’Neill,reflecting on the match,praised his team’s resilience and performance. “We played really well,” he said. “There was a period where we were dominant, controlling the ball and exuding a lot of confidence, which was lovely to see.”
The result is notably encouraging for Celtic as they aim to advance in their current European campaign. After falling behind, O’Neill noted the team’s character. ”Going a goal behind, we could have crumbled. But we showed character and resilience and then when we got the equaliser, the confidence flooded into the side.” He also emphasized the importance of prospect, stating, “I said to the players ‘you will get a chance to play tonight’. We took that chance.”
Celtic’s remaining league-stage fixtures include home matches against Roma and Utrecht,sandwiched around an away trip to Bologna. Currently 21st in the 36-team table with seven points, O’Neill believes around 10 or 11 points will be needed to qualify, acknowledging it ”won’t be easy, but Celtic have two home games and the confidence is in the side now.”
Meanwhile, the club is reportedly nearing an agreement with Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy to become Rodgers’ permanent successor. O’Neill expressed optimism about the incoming manager’s prospects, stating, ”He has got some players who are big winners. I’m sure he will lean on some of those lads and then it’s about improving some of the othre players.” He added, “The restoration of confidence is big and it’s keeping it going after that. Winning away from home is terrific – it’s not easy away from home in Europe. It gives them belief that they can come and compete.”
