O’Neill agreed to become Celtic’s interim boss following Rodgers’ shock resignation on Monday.
The 73-year-old, who previously enjoyed a successful five-year spell in charge of Celtic, admitted he often didn’t enjoy his jobs in the past because of the stress of having to deliver results.
The former Aston Villa, Sunderland, Leicester, Norwich, Wycombe and Republic of Ireland boss, who last managed with Nottingham Forest in 2019, will take a more relaxed approach on his return to Celtic.
“I sometimes wondered throughout my career whether I ever really, really enjoyed it. And I’m probably too miserable to enjoy it. But now, at this ripe old age, I’m going to try and enjoy it,” O’Neill told reporters at his official unveiling on Tuesday.
“But the only way I will do, the only way I’ve ever lived it, is really by trying to win football matches.
“So from that viewpoint, I had no, well, I say no hesitation. I was given only 10 minutes to make my mind up. And so I had to do it in that time. So I’m fine with it.”
The extent of the breakdown in Rodgers’ relationship with Dermot Desmond was revealed in a scathing statement from the principal shareholder.
Rodger frustrated Desmond with his public comments about the club’s summer signings and his unresolved contract situation.
Beaten 3-1 at Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts on Sunday, the Glasgow club are trailing eight points behind top spot.
O’Neill, who won three Scottish titles with Celtic, still felt a sense of duty to Irish businessman Desmond when he answered his call.
“I go back to someone who actually gave me the job in the first place way back 25 years ago, when in all honesty, at that stage, there were a lot of big, big names, bigger names than myself, in for that job. And it was a real honour to manage the football club,” he said.
“They could have a new manager in two weeks’ time. If we don’t win on Wednesday evening, we might have a new manager on Thursday!”
Ange Postecoglou, another former Celtic boss, has been linked with the job on a permanent basis despite being sacked by Tottenham last season and Nottingham Forest this term.
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna and Bodo/Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen are also believed to be candidates.
“Celtic will be looking for a young manager to come in with a very, very decent CV,” O’Neill said.
For now, O’Neill is focused on Celtic’s first match under his leadership against Falkirk at Parkhead on Wednesday.
“If there is some sort of clapping for me, I’m well aware in this game that lasts about 15 minutes,” he said.
“At the end of the day, you have to win.” (AFP)
