Post-match in Lisbon on Thursday, Martin O’Neill expressed the emotions of a man who had just watched his team cruise to a 4-1 triumph.
But the 74-year-old had just witnessed his side suffer a reverse of that, a fourth defeat in five games.
The reason for the veteran manager’s upbeat vibe was because of his players’ response after crumbling in the first half of their Europa League loss to Benfica.
The performance level from the Scottish champions improved and they could have scored more than the one goal they managed in the second period, though they were also fortunate not to have shipped more.
Like last term, unrest between the fans and board is in the backdrop, but those same supporters are also growing restless at what they are watching on the pitch.
Despite that, Celtic have still won 14 of their past 15 league games, scoring two or more goals in 11 of those. And they can go four point clear with a win on Sunday after Rangers drew at Dundee.
They have also won 26 of their past 29 home league games against Hearts, although have lost two of their last six.
Last term, Hearts picked up seven points in four league games against Celtic – the most by any non-Old Firm side in a single campaign since the 1999-00 season.
O’Neill believes Hearts are genuine contenders again and is anticipating a match that will be as challenging as May’s dramatic title decider.
“I think it will be every bit as tough as it was on the last day of last season,” the Celtic boss said.
“I genuinely do [think they are title challengers]. I know they’ve lost two [league] games, but overall, I do, I think they can challenge.”
