An interview with Paul Lambert, by Callum McFadden for WFi.
You were part of the Celtic team who stopped Rangers from winning 10 league titles in a row in the late 1990s. When I spoke with Craig Burley about that period, he emphasised that the camaraderie and ethos within the dressing room were pivotal factors in navigating the intensity of that season. From an outsider’s perspective, it seems almost unimaginable to not just endure, but actually enjoy, that kind of pressure. What set that group apart in its ability to embrace such high stakes?
“Well, they were all big players. They could handle the crowd, the club, and the weight of expectation. That’s what top players do at big clubs. Craig was fantastic to play with—he was a massive influence that season.
“I also knew Jackie McNamara, Simon Donnelly, and Phil O’Donnell—God rest him—from the Scotland squad, as well as guys like Darren Jackson.
“The only ones I wasn’t familiar with were Henrik Larsson, Reggie Blinker and Mark Rieper, but I quickly got to know them. But Craig’s absolutely right—the dressing room was not only tight-knit but also filled with top-class players.
“I’ll always say—and others might have a different view—but in my opinion, that was the hardest title we ever won, simply because of what was at stake.
“You’ve got to give credit to Rangers; they were a top team during that era with incredibly strong players. What Wim Jansen achieved was nothing short of genius. Stopping the 10 in a row was a masterstroke, something we’ll still be talking about for years to come. It safeguarded the legacy of the Lisbon Lions, Jock Stein’s team.”
Looking back at Wim Jansen’s era, stopping the 10 in a row was an extraordinary achievement. However, the period that followed was quite challenging for the club. Fast-forwarding to when Martin O’Neill arrived, how did his leadership fundamentally transform the club? The Barnes era, as we know, had its ups and downs, with moments like the Inverness game standing out. But when Martin came in, it felt like a complete reset for the team, and securing a Treble right off the bat really set the tone for what was to come. What was it about his approach that made such an immediate and profound impact?
“We needed a manager like Martin at that time—someone to come in and turn things around. The season before had been dreadful, and we were miles behind Rangers. There were still quality players at the club, but we needed significant help, someone to take charge and steer us in the right direction.
“That’s exactly what Martin did—he galvanised the squad, took it by the scruff of the neck, and got everyone onside. The team became relentless.
“People often ask me what the difference was between the Borussia Dortmund team and the Celtic team I played in, and the biggest compliment I can give is that while Borussia Dortmund was an untouchable, special side, Celtic wasn’t far behind. That’s the highest praise I can offer. The dressing room was incredibly strong, and we came so close to another European trophy.”
While you came up just short in Europe, you still dominated domestically—winning four titles, two Scottish Cups, two League Cups—and you were named Player of the Year in Scotland. Before we dive into the UEFA Cup run, I have to ask: where does Henrik Larsson rank among the great players you’ve played with, especially considering your experience at Dortmund?
“Henrik and I had an incredible understanding on the pitch. I always felt that if he was playing, there was a 99.9% chance he’d score—similar to how I felt with Riedle and Stéphane Chapuisat.
“Those three were the kind of strikers where, if you gave them an opportunity, they’d finish it. Henrik was like that, even during the 10-in-a-row season.
“I’d always think, ‘This guy will score.’ We had a great telepathy on the pitch, and we were really close off the pitch as well. You have to put him right up there with Riedle and Chapuisat—he was a phenomenal striker.
“But what set Henrik apart was that — even if you take away his goals — his work rate, his enthusiasm, and his hunger for the game were what really stood out.
“That’s what top players have in abundance. People often assume the goals just come naturally, but it’s the relentless hard work behind the scenes, and Henrik had that in spades.”
Looking back at the UEFA Cup run to the final in 2003, it was remarkable from start to finish—beating teams like Blackburn, Liverpool, Celta Vigo, Boavista, and then reaching the final against Porto. While the final itself was a disappointment, especially with the lingering controversy about Porto’s tactics and how easily they went down, it remains an unforgettable journey. As captain during that campaign, how do you reflect on the entire run, and what stands out to you the most about that Seville final? How do you feel about it all these years later?
“The whole run was phenomenal. Knocking out two English teams was massive, but as I’ve said before, that Celtic team could go toe-to-toe with anyone.
“It didn’t matter who the opponent was; at that point, we were a really strong side. We had everything—passionate fans, drive, hunger—everything you want in a team. We weren’t shrinking violets. If someone wanted a fight, we’d fight. If they wanted a battle on the pitch, we’d take them on.
“The run was always going to be special, but our strength at home made us especially tough to beat. When teams came to Parkhead, we already believed we’d won.
“The Boavista game was the first time we didn’t perform as well at home. It was a tough game, moved to the afternoon for TV, which impacted the atmosphere. The away leg was also difficult, but Henrik came through with the goal.
“As for the final, I’ve always thought the stadium wasn’t big enough to handle the crowd. The fans were too far from the action, and the pitch, which had been relaid, was in poor condition—dry, and the heat in Seville that night was incredible. We brought 80,000 fans, and the stadium simply couldn’t accommodate them. They should have looked at our home matches, where we’d pack in 60,000 regularly.
“But credit to Porto—they were a top side. The following year, they went on to win the Champions League. They had a great team, with José Mourinho as their manager. Yes, there was diving and time-wasting, but that’s part of their culture and style of play. We would’ve done the same in their position. It’s just how the game is played in some places.
“Unfortunately, we weren’t clever enough to counter it. Did we play our best? No, we didn’t. We didn’t hit the level we had in earlier matches, and ultimately, we just fell short.”
For me, as someone born in 1995, that Celtic team was the best I’ve ever seen. It’s bittersweet because it marked the beginning of my time supporting the club. When I think about the squad you had—players like yourself, Chris Sutton, Henrik Larsson, Neil Lennon, John Hartson, Stiliyan Petrov, Lubo Moravcik, Johan Mjällby, and so many others—it was incredible. Nowadays, we hear a lot about big egos in dressing rooms, with players being seen as brands off the pitch as mich as they are footballers on it. How was the dynamic in that Celtic dressing room? Were there any egos to deal with, or was it a completely united group?
“No, there were absolutely no egos in that dressing room. That was one of the defining characteristics of the team. We had an incredible inner steel and strength, with a shared belief that if we were going to win, we would do it together. Everyone was fully invested in the collective goal. There wasn’t anyone I would describe as aloof or distant. Each player who came into the dressing room embraced the ethos of the group.
“This unity was a testament to Martin, who kept the core group together for four or five years with minimal changes to the squad. Anyone who joined us and might have come in with an inflated sense of self would quickly learn that this was a team of winners. Sure, some of us were stronger-minded than others, but in the grand scheme of things, everyone pulled together for the common cause. That commitment to teamwork was a hallmark of a truly great squad.”