Martin O’Neill has used his programme notes to ask Celtic supporters to back the team tonight against Stuttgart.
The Celtic boss understands the mood around the club. There has been anger about how things are being run, questions over signings, and unrest in the stands in recent months. Still, his message is simple. For ninety minutes, it has to be about the game.
15th February 2026; Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Auston Trusty of Celtic is surrounded by Celtic fans police and stewards and the fans rush on to celebrate
Celtic head into this Europa League tie knowing a home win would change the shape of the tie. The second leg in Germany will be a hard night. That puts extra weight on what happens at Celtic Park, particularly with injuries reducing choices in midfield and on the flanks.
O’Neill has experienced enough big European evenings in Glasgow to know the impact of the crowd. When the pace rises and the stadium reacts, it shifts momentum. Players find extra energy. Opponents can lose composure in moments they would normally handle.
He wrote in the matchday programme: “So all thoughts of our league campaign have been set to one side this week as we’ve prepared for tonight’s UEFA Europa League tie against VfB Stuttgart.
“As always, we will need the backing of our supporters to create that special Celtic Park atmosphere and, hopefully, inspire us to a positive result.”
The message is straightforward. Stuttgart are well drilled and quick on the counter. If Celtic switch off or let the tempo drop, they will be caught out.
That is where the support comes in. A fast, loud opening can push Stuttgart deeper. Noise after a strong challenge or a close chance keeps the energy up when the game starts to drag.
15th February 2026; Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Tomas Cvancara of Celtic celebrates
There are wider concerns about how the club is being run. Fans have not stayed quiet about that. O’Neill is not getting into those debates here. He is asking everyone to pull together for this match.
The players will sense the mood as soon as they step onto the pitch. European nights at home are never simple. If the ground is right behind them, Celtic improve their chances of going to Germany with something to hold onto.
