Martin O’Neill’s response is going viral after hearing Steven Pressley called Celtic style boring

After Celtic’s hard-fought victory over Dundee FC in the Scottish Cup—a match that went to extra time and ended 2-1 in the Hoops’ favor—Dundee manager Steven Pressley didn’t hold back in his post-match assessment. Pressley described Celtic’s performance as “boring,” suggesting his side had dominated large spells but lacked the cutting edge to secure an upset. The comment quickly made headlines, prompting a typically sharp and witty response from Celtic interim boss Martin O’Neill.

In his post-match interview, O’Neill, never one to shy away from a verbal volley, delivered a masterclass in deadpan humor that had reporters chuckling. “Boring? Aye, Steven, tell that to the scoreboard,” O’Neill quipped with his trademark Northern Irish lilt. “We were so boring we managed to win the game while your lads were busy playing the beautiful game in front of our goal for 90 minutes. Must be exhausting being that entertaining and still going home empty-handed.”

He continued, leaning into the sarcasm: “Look, if grinding out results, keeping clean sheets until the drama kicks in, and lifting trophies is boring, then sign me up for a lifetime subscription. I’ve seen plenty of ‘exciting’ football in my time—usually ends with the other team celebrating. Ours ends with us holding silverware. Sorry if that’s a bit dull for the neutral.”

O’Neill didn’t stop there. Referencing Pressley’s praise for Dundee’s effort, he added: “Fair play to Steven and his boys—they gave us a right scare, and that wonder goal from Hamilton was anything but boring. But let’s not pretend: if we’d played open, end-to-end stuff and lost 3-2, he’d be calling us reckless. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t. We chose to win instead. Call it pragmatic, call it professional—call it boring if it helps you sleep at night. Me? I’m off to dream about the next round.”

The exchange highlighted O’Neill’s quick wit, a trait that endeared him to Celtic fans during his earlier successful spells. While Pressley focused on his team’s progress and “non-negotiables” for competing against the Old Firm, O’Neill turned the critique into comedy gold, reminding everyone that in football, results trump style points every time.

Celtic march on in the cup, perhaps a little more “boring” than some would like—but undeniably effective. As O’Neill might say, if winning’s a crime, lock him up and throw away the key. Just don’t expect him to stop smiling about it.