The short version
- Celtic suffered another significant defeat in the Europa League, conceding three goals to Ferencvaros after a poor performance against Rangers.
- The team displayed a lack of intensity and defensive organization, drawing comparisons to previous periods of instability under different managers.
- Martin O'Neill acknowledged the psychological damage but offered few concrete solutions, leaving fans concerned about the club's immediate future.
Celtic’s recent trajectory has taken a sharp downward turn, marked by a series of performances that have left supporters questioning the stability of their current setup. Following a heavy defeat at Ibrox against rivals Rangers, the Glasgow side failed to mount any meaningful recovery in their Europa League opener against Ferencvaros. The match ended in another lopsided result, with Celtic conceding three more goals and displaying a level of disorganization that has drawn sharp criticism from observers.
The issues on the pitch were multifaceted, ranging from absent-minded midfield play to loose defending and a general lack of accuracy in possession. The team struggled with basic passing and movement, showing insufficient intensity and work rate throughout the contest. At times, the performance felt reminiscent of darker periods in the club’s recent history, specifically the struggles faced during European campaigns in 2019 and 2020 under previous management. The energy levels were notably low, and the sense that the squad had no answers to their opponents’ pressure was palpable.
Under Ange Postecoglou, Celtic were known for their aggression, ingenuity, and dynamism. They took risks, played with pace, and pulled defenders out of position through belief and coherent pressing. In contrast, the recent displays have been characterized by hesitation and a lack of zeal. The team attempted to stage comebacks, but these efforts were largely hopeful long-range shots rather than structured attacks built on speed and coordination. This shift in style has left the side looking fragile and easily exploitable.
Martin O'Neill, who returned to the club last season to restore order and confidence, now faces a significant test of his resolve. In previous tenures, he was credited with fixing problems and instilling a never-say-die attitude that made the team difficult to beat, even if their play was not always aesthetically pleasing. However, his post-match comments following the Ferencvaros defeat were flat and tired. He spoke of frustration and psychological damage but did not project the spirit of a manager with immediate solutions. His tone mirrored the leaden and disheartening nature of the team’s performance.
Individual performances have also raised concerns. Camilo Duran, playing through the middle, had limited impact despite being in his favored position. Kasper Hogh, signed for £11 million, has struggled to replicate his success at Bodo Glimt, where he scored against top European sides. At Celtic, he has appeared awkward with a poor first touch and has failed to create chances, scoring in only one of his eight games. Callum McGregor, a key figure for the club, also looked lost, highlighting the broader disconnect within the squad.
The defensive errors were particularly glaring. One goal conceded just before halftime exemplified the team’s issues: hesitancy in fighting for loose balls, weakness in preventing crosses, and general disorganization. The counter-attack that led to Daniel Arzani’s goal exposed Celtic’s vulnerability, with players appearing confused and out of position. Arzani, a former player who had little impact during his previous stint, scored a magnificent strike that underscored the embarrassment of the situation.
The booing from the crowd was loud, reflecting the growing anxiety among supporters. Five goals conceded against LASK, a desperate experience at Ibrox, and now this defeat have created a perfect storm of negativity. While things can turn quickly in Scottish football, the current slump suggests something deeper than a temporary dip in form. The second Old Firm match of the season is still to come, but the pressure on O'Neill to produce a response has never been greater.
O'Neill has promised to get the team together for the upcoming clash with Rangers, but his lack of conviction in addressing the deficiencies has left many skeptical. The force of his personality previously gave Celtic fight, but that quality seems absent now. The club needs to find its answers quickly, as the gap between their current state and the high standards expected at Celtic Park continues to widen. Without a significant shift in attitude and performance, the situation could deteriorate further.
The coming weeks will be critical for determining whether O'Neill can arrest this decline or if the club faces a more prolonged period of instability. The contrast between the ferocious hard-to-beat team of last season and the current disjointed unit is stark. Fans are worried, and the management must act decisively to restore belief and coherence before the damage becomes irreversible.
As the season progresses, the focus will remain on how Celtic respond to these setbacks. The ability to bounce back from such heavy defeats has been a hallmark of successful campaigns in the past. However, the current lack of intensity and organization suggests that rebuilding trust and form will require more than just promises. The stakes are high, and the time for action is now.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Leaden, stale, disheartening - where do Celtic & O'Neill go from here?
