Sport nationMatt O’Riley Opens Up About the Pressure of Playing for Celtic
In his first interview on Brighton’s podcast, Matt O’Riley shared his experiences playing for Celtic, highlighting the immense pressure that comes with donning the Hoops.
O’Riley, who scored the winning goal against Manchester City in his Premier League debut for Brighton, reflected on his time at Celtic, where he spent two seasons before joining the Seagulls for £25m.
“The pressures of playing at Celtic are, for most people, unimaginable,” O’Riley said. “It’s not easy to win every game of football, regardless of who you’re playing against.”
He explained that the expectation to win every game, particularly against teams that park the bus, can be overwhelming. “The anxiety builds up in the crowd, and you need to learn to accept that and stay focused.”
O’Riley praised Celtic veterans James Forrest and Callum McGregor for their ability to maintain a high level of performance over 60 games a season. “It’s genuinely tiring, and I have so much respect for them.”
The Danish midfielder’s comments demonstrate his appreciation for the Celtic fans and his time at the club. Despite moving to Brighton, O’Riley remains humble and grateful for the experience.
Celtic’s Relentless Mentality
O’Riley highlighted the relentless mentality required to succeed at Celtic. “It’s like anyone who’s able to play at Celtic for such a long time… to have that kind of relentless mentality of, okay, we’ve got to do it again, we’ve got to do it again.”
He credited Forrest and McGregor for embodying this mentality, saying, “To do that every single game is really tiring, mentally and physically.”
A Popular Figure at Celtic
During his time at Celtic, O’Riley became a fan favorite, known for his exceptional skill and work rate. His departure was met with sadness from the Celtic support, who still follow his career closely.
O’Riley’s success at Brighton has delighted Celtic fans, who are thrilled to see their former player thriving in the Premier League.
A Bright Future Ahead
Now back to full fitness, O’Riley will look to continue making an impact at Brighton. His experience at Celtic has prepared him for the pressures of top-flight football.
As he settles into his new surroundings, O’Riley’s comments serve as a testament to the strong bond he formed with the Celtic fans and his appreciation for the club’s values.
References:
67 Hail Hail
Brighton and Hove Albion podcast
Celtic FC
Related Articles:
“Matt O’Riley’s Emotional Farewell to Celtic Fans”
“Celtic’s James Forrest and Callum McGregor: Relentless Performers”
“Matt O’Riley’s Brighton Debut: A Dream Start”
Recommended Reading:
“Celtic’s Transfer Strategy: What to Expect in January”
“The Impact of Matt O’Riley’s Departure on Celtic’s Midfield”
Expert Analysis:
“O’Riley’s comments highlight the unique pressures of playing for Celtic.”
“His praise for Forrest and McGregor demonstrates the respect he has for his former teammates.”
Fan Reaction:
“O’Riley will always be a Celtic legend.”
“His comments show how much he appreciated his time at Celtic.”
Sport nation
Amina Umar
