“Taste of His Own Poison” — Dietmar Kühbauer Sends Blunt Warning to Martin O’Neil and Celtic Ahead of LASK Showdown
- BRUTAL WARNING TO MARTIN O’NEIL AND HIS TEAM — Dietmar Kühbauer Sends Two Fierce Messages to Celtic Ahead of Play-Off Second Leg
Dietmar Kühbauer has turned up the heat ahead of LASK’s crucial play-off second leg against Celtic, delivering a fierce warning to Martin O’Neil and his players while making it clear that his side have no intention of simply accepting their first-leg deficit.
With Celtic heading into the return fixture with a commanding advantage, many observers would expect LASK to approach the match cautiously and concentrate on limiting the damage. Kühbauer, however, appears to have a very different idea.
The LASK head coach was direct and uncompromising during his pre-match interview, showing little fear of the Celtic challenge and seemingly taking aim at the style of football associated with O’Neil.
According to Kühbauer, he understands exactly what kind of football Celtic are prepared to bring to the contest — and he insists his players are ready to respond.
«“I understand the type of football he played. It’s a dirty one, but I assure you we are ready for that. We will die on the pitch if we have to.”»
Those words immediately set the tone for what could be an explosive second leg.
Kühbauer did not stop there.
The Austrian coach added another warning that will certainly attract attention inside the Celtic camp.
«“He should be ready to have a taste of his own poison.”»
It was a remarkable statement from the LASK boss, particularly with his team facing the enormous task of overturning Celtic’s advantage.
Kühbauer refuses to surrender
LASK may be behind on aggregate, but Kühbauer clearly does not want his players to enter the second leg believing the tie is already decided.
Instead, he wants his team to play with aggression, intensity and belief from the opening whistle.
The message from the LASK dressing room appears to be simple: Celtic may have won the first battle, but the war is not over.
The Austrian side know that they need an almost perfect performance. They cannot afford to give Celtic the freedom to control possession, slow the game down and dictate the tempo.
For Kühbauer, this is about mentality as much as tactics.
His comments suggest that LASK are prepared to make the game uncomfortable for Celtic and refuse to allow their opponents to settle into their rhythm.
A direct message to Martin O’Neil
The most striking aspect of Kühbauer’s interview was the apparent lack of fear towards Martin O’Neil.
Rather than praising Celtic or focusing solely on the three-goal deficit, the LASK boss chose to speak openly about what he believes his opponent’s football represents.
His description of O’Neil’s style as “dirty” is certain to generate debate, especially given the intensity expected in a European play-off.
But Kühbauer appears to be deliberately embracing the confrontation.
He knows Celtic will have the psychological advantage after the first leg, but he wants his players to turn that pressure into motivation.
If Celtic are expecting an easy evening simply because they have a healthy advantage, Kühbauer is warning them to think again.
“We will die on the pitch”
Perhaps the strongest part of Kühbauer’s message was his declaration that his players are prepared to give absolutely everything.
“We will die on the pitch if we have to.”
That is not the language of a manager preparing his team to simply fulfil a fixture.
It is the language of a coach demanding an all-or-nothing performance.
LASK know the mathematics. They know what they have to overcome. But Kühbauer appears determined to ensure that his players do not walk onto the pitch believing the challenge is impossible.
The task may be huge, but the LASK manager wants his squad to believe that Celtic can still be made to suffer.
Celtic now have a warning of their own
For Martin O’Neil and his Celtic players, Kühbauer’s comments provide another reason to remain fully focused.
A three-goal advantage can create confidence, but it can also create complacency.
Celtic cannot afford to assume that LASK will simply accept their fate.
The Austrian side are expected to attack, fight for every ball and attempt to put Celtic under pressure from the first minute.
And with Kühbauer openly talking about “a taste of his own poison”, the atmosphere around the second leg has already become considerably more intense.
Celtic will therefore have to balance two objectives: protect their aggregate advantage while still playing positively enough to prevent LASK from building momentum.
The stage is set
The second leg now carries far more than a simple qualification narrative.
It has become a battle of mentality.
Celtic have the advantage. LASK have the motivation. Kühbauer has provided the words.
Now both teams must provide the performance.
The LASK boss has effectively challenged Celtic to come prepared for a completely different contest from the first leg.
Whether his words inspire his players or simply add unnecessary pressure remains to be seen.
But one thing is certain: Kühbauer does not want LASK walking onto the pitch as a beaten team.
He wants them angry.
He wants them fearless.
And above all, he wants them ready to fight until the final whistle.
Celtic have the advantage — but according to Dietmar Kühbauer, they should be prepared to taste the same medicine they are accused of serving.
