Celtic are facing a difficult period amid fan protests and uncertainty over who their next permanent manager will be, but one player has nevertheless declared his desire to sign for the Hoops this summer.
O’Neill dreams of a ‘utopia’ where Celtic are united as a club
Martin O’Neill wants unity at Celtic Park after the Europa League defeat to Stuttgart left the atmosphere cracked.
The first round of the playoffs was interrupted when dozens of mini-balls were thrown onto the pitch at once, as fans continued to campaign for a change in the board of directors and the reinstatement of the Green Brigade Ultras, who have been suspended indefinitely.
Relations between fans and the board have been strained for more than 12 months as a result of dissatisfaction with the club’s transfer strategy.
But in Thursday’s 4-1 defeat, some fans could be heard criticizing goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel after he conceded two soft goals.
The star Celtic sold for just £500,000 is now better than Kasper Schmeichel
The player, who left Celtic for just £500,000, will be a huge upgrade over Kasper Schmeichel at Parkhead.
O’Neill is desperate for supporters to cheer on his players during Sunday’s visit to Hibernian as the William Hill Premiership champions chase Hearts and Rangers.
“Well, that would be utopia for us,” he said. “It’s about bringing us all together and making us feel like this football club can only go in one direction if we don’t all go in that direction.”
Interim Chair Brian Wilson called Thursday’s protests “deeply disappointing.”
Hoops legend Stilyan Petrov was also stunned by the protests, calling it a “huge problem” for the players.
However, one man who has not given up during these difficult times is loanee Tomas Kvankala. He has publicly backed a long-term move to Glasgow this summer.
Kvankala wants to ‘persuade’ Celtic to sign him on a permanent move
Appearing on the Celtic Podcast this week, the Czech international reaffirmed the Hoops’ desire to trigger the permanent option worth around £7m on his loan deal.
“If I am good enough, my goal is to convince the club and the board to sign me.
”I’m happy to be at a new club that believes in me and where I can demonstrate my abilities.”
The 25-year-old has already scored and provided two assists in just four appearances in the Premiership, but has fallen out with his parent club Borussia Mönchengladbach, accusing them of not providing him with support in the past.
Celtic are currently six points off the pace in the Scottish top flight, but have been boosted by news that Rangers will be without key players in next week’s Old Firm.
The Rangers star has suffered a long-term injury and has already been ruled out of the Old Firm as Celtic look to win the title.
The Ger family may face a difficult situation.
