Celtic theory shot down as Shaun Maloney addresses perception that he is running the show

Celtic assistant manager Shaun Maloney has dismissed suggestions that he is secretly running the team while 74-year-old manager Martin O’Neill acts merely as a figurehead. Speaking ahead of Celtic's Europa League match against Celta Vigo, Maloney stepped in for media duties while O’Neill attended to a personal matter. Maloney clarified that O'Neill actively leads team selection, tactics, and recruitment, exactly as he did during his first spell managing the club.

Maloney confirmed that O'Neill will be present in the dugout for the crucial European clash despite his press conference absence. Celtic currently sit 33rd in the Europa League table following losses to Ferencvaros and Benfica, but Maloney insisted the team will not compromise their European commitments for domestic priorities.