Scott Brown Sends Martin O’Neill Celtic Message After Benfica Defeat

Celtic legend Scott Brown has insisted Martin O’Neill does not need his assistance at Parkhead, although he has made it clear he would be willing to help if the club ever called on him.

The Hoops are enduring a difficult period after suffering a 4-1 defeat to Benfica in Lisbon, leaving them without a point in the Europa League league phase and facing growing criticism over their performances.

The result has increased the scrutiny on O’Neill and his coaching staff, with Shaun Maloney and Steve Guppy also working alongside the experienced manager as Celtic attempt to turn their fortunes around.

However, former captain Brown does not believe the current coaching team needs outside intervention to get Celtic back on track.

Speaking on The Warm-Up, the former Hoops midfielder expressed his continued willingness to support the club while backing O’Neill and his colleagues to handle the situation themselves.

“Martin doesn’t need my help, he’s got Sean, he’s got Fozzy there and stuff. I’m always there if they ever need whatever,” Brown said.

He also revealed that he remains in contact with several people at Celtic, making it clear that he has not distanced himself from those still working at the club.

“I still speak to quite a lot of them and for me they’re doing their own thing,” he added.

Brown also pointed to Celtic’s performances last season, arguing that the current difficulties should be viewed in the context of football’s natural ups and downs rather than prompting an immediate reaction.

“Nobody would be saying this if it was last season. They’ve done really well last season, teams are going to go up and down, it’s part and parcel.”

Celtic face crucial test after European disappointment

Although Brown has played down the need for his involvement, the pressure on O’Neill continues to build following Celtic’s latest European setback.

The manager must now turn his attention to this weekend’s Scottish Premiership meeting with Hearts before preparing for Celta Vigo’s visit to Celtic Park in the Europa League next week.

The latter fixture carries particular significance given Celtic’s disappointing start to their European campaign, with the Hoops needing a response to keep their hopes of progressing alive.

Criticism of the club’s board has also continued, while supporters are becoming increasingly frustrated with the performances and results.

Brown, however, believes Celtic’s fortunes can change quickly when results improve. His comments suggest he has no intention of forcing himself into the current setup, despite remaining available should the club ever seek his experience.

That leaves O’Neill, Maloney and Guppy with the responsibility of finding a solution on the training ground and delivering the results Celtic need.

The response against Benfica offered some encouragement in the second half, but Celtic must now demonstrate that it was more than a brief improvement in a match that had already slipped away.

For Brown, the message is straightforward: he remains willing to help Celtic if required, but he believes the current coaching staff deserve the opportunity to turn things around themselves.