Celtic have faced criticism from supporters since last summer for the business done – or lack of it – in advance of the Champions League play-offs, which they also lost last season against Kairat Almaty.
Kasper Hogh, Camilo Duran, Haissem Hassan and Mika Baur all arrived at Parkhead before the LASK tie, but influential players Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels left for Ipswich Town and West Ham United, respectively.
“The Champions League is a big carrot for, particularly a lot of younger players,” O’Neill said.
“The prestige is not there the same [in the Europa League], it’s still a great competition. Obviously, the finance is still the big thing.”
Reflecting on “the major disappointment” of Tuesday’s loss, O’Neill admitted Celtic “should’ve been out of sight by half-time”, at which stage they led 4-1 on aggregate.
“We did not do well in the second half,” O’Neill explained
“The result’s the most important thing and we got beaten. I’m obviously disappointed with myself. I have to really analyse it again.
“We could’ve maybe defended our box a wee bit better. I have to look at my own part before I look at anybody else’s.
“You have to recover pretty quickly. You really have to. We have to show real character.”
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