Former Celtic midfielder Lubomir Moravcik has called on the current Celtic squad to adopt a stronger mentality ahead of their upcoming Old Firm clash at Ibrox, amid concerns stemming from the team’s recent Champions League qualifying defeat. The Slovakian, who played a key role in some of the fixture’s notable encounters in the early 2000s, emphasized the importance of mental toughness in navigating high-pressure matches, especially when facing a hostile atmosphere and playing without the support of their own fans.
Moravcik pointed to Celtic’s 3-1 loss to Austrian side LASK in the Champions League qualifiers as a cautionary example. He described feeling compelled to switch off the television in frustration as the team appeared to unravel, attributing their collapse largely to a fragile mindset. “Too many Celtic players looked scared. They could feel the momentum of the tie change and did not know what to do,” he said. “If you are an opponent you sense that. It is not war. Football is a sport. You cannot be afraid to play. You have to be able to enjoy games where there is pressure.”
The former Celtic player underscored the need for toughness in contests with Rangers, a fixture he described as globally renowned and steeped in intense significance for players and supporters alike. Moravcik recalled some of his own notable moments in the fixture, including a 5-1 victory early in his Celtic career and a 3-0 win at Ibrox in April 2001, where he scored twice and Henrik Larsson netted his 50th goal of the season. That victory, during Martin O’Neill’s first season as manager, stood out for the belief and confidence displayed by the team.
Moravcik also reflected on the visible disappointment of then-manager O’Neill following the Champions League defeat, noting that the coach appeared deeply unsettled. “I don’t think I have ever seen Martin O’Neill look so upset as that night. His face was so white. You could see how shocked he was,” Moravcik commented, adding that O’Neill likely had pointed criticisms in private.
Looking ahead to the upcoming fixture at Ibrox, Moravcik acknowledged the pressure on both sides, albeit for different reasons. Celtic have maintained strong domestic form and entered the season positively, but Old Firm matches inevitably intensify scrutiny and expectations. “Both teams have been under pressure for different reasons. Celtic have been strong domestically and have started the season well but there are always judgements from these games. They have to win,” he remarked.
As Celtic prepare to face their city rivals without the backing of their supporters, Moravcik’s message is clear: success depends on embracing the challenge with courage and a resolute mentality.