CelticPlayer: Exclusive Stephen McManus interview

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Celtic F.C.

·3 luglio 2026

CelticPlayer: Exclusive Stephen McManus interview

The hard work has begun at Lennoxtown, with Martin O’Neill’s squad back on the training pitch as preparations continue for another exciting campaign.

With four pre-season fixtures on the horizon before the competitive action gets underway, first-team coach, Stephen McManus has been pleased with what he’s seen from the players during the opening week.

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Speaking exclusively to CelticPlayer, the former Hoops captain said: “The boys have come in and worked really well.

'It’s been a tough week, it always is the first week of pre-season, but the lads have come back in really good shape.'

“They’ve enjoyed the break and now they’re looking forward to the games coming thick and fast.”

McManus also reflects on how pre-season has evolved during his time in football, while explaining why the focus remains the same despite changes in training methods.

He said: “It’s definitely evolved slightly.

“The principles still remain the same. It’s about getting players ready for the first game of the season, getting minutes into their legs and making sure they stay injury free.”

The Champions will soon head to Ireland and Portugal as preparations continue, before attention quickly turns to a huge UEFA Champions League qualifier later this summer.

Having captained Celtic on European nights himself, McManus knows exactly what those occasions mean to the club.

“That’s where we should be,” he said.

“You want to be playing the biggest games.”

The first-team coach also discusses last season’s dramatic title triumph, pays tribute to Callum McGregor’s leadership during a challenging campaign, and gives his thoughts on the arrival of new coach Ross Grant.