Every legendary team has its iconic duos—the partnerships that fans remember and celebrate for years. For Celtic supporters, the unspoken bond between manager Martin O'Neill and striker Henrik Larsson was just as vital as Larsson's on-field chemistry with Chris Sutton. But even the greatest relationships have their rocky moments, and the one time O'Neill raised his voice at the Swedish superstar remains a story they still joke about today.

It happened during a match against Dundee United, and O'Neill still recalls the scene vividly. "Do I remember? Absolutely, because it only happened once," he says with a laugh. "Henrik was playing in the first half... unlike him, he was flicking the ball all over the place. I think he flicked two over the stand and they ended up down at Dens Park—he was awful."

At halftime, O'Neill let loose—a rare moment of frustration directed at his star player. "I had a go, and I think the players were secretly delighted that Henrik was getting a little bit of stick," O'Neill admits. "I remember it distinctly because he was brilliant in the second half—that was his response."

Teammate Johan Mjallby, who was sitting next to Larsson in the dressing room, remembers the moment well. "And isn't that the best way to just shut your manager's mouth? That's Henrik," he says, appreciating the striker's silent but powerful comeback.

Years later, the memory still lingers. In 2018, O'Neill, Sutton, and Larsson were all working as pundits during the World Cup. When they met for dinner, the Swede had one thing on his mind. "That was the topic of conversation for about half an hour," O'Neill recalls. "Henrik still hadn't forgiven me for embarrassing him in front of the rest of the team. But it stood him in good stead, and he's fine."

It's a reminder that even the most brilliant players need a push sometimes—and that a little halftime fire can spark greatness. For fans, it's also a glimpse into the human side of football's most memorable partnerships.