Celtic at a crossroads after Rangers collapse

Martin O'Neill's Celtic side won the double last season but now faces questions about whether change is needed before problems become a crisis.

By ·

Sep 20, 2026

8 cards · 2m · tap to begin

From · · · 2m

Celtic at a crossroads after Rangers collapse

Martin O'Neill's Celtic side won the double last season but now faces questions about whether change is needed before problems become a crisis.

In brief

Martin O'Neill's Celtic side won the double last season but now faces questions about whether change is needed before problems become a crisis. Celtic remain top of the league but their recent form against Rangers and in Europe has sparked debate about whether manager Martin O'Neill should step aside despite his…

O'Neill considers his future

Martin O'Neill delivered a league and cup double last season

The 74-year-old Celtic manager said he will take stock after a 1-0 loss to Rangers at home and decide if it is time to step away from the club.

“"time to wrap it up"”

Two defeats in one week

Celtic lost 1-0 to Rangers at Parkhead, their second defeat to their Old Firm rivals in seven days, plus a 3-1 loss to Ferencvaros in the Europa League.

Champions League collapse raised questions

Celtic blew a 4-0 lead against LASK in their Champions League play-off, crashing out 5-4 on aggregate and raising concerns about O'Neill's management.

Problems run deeper than the manager

The Celtic fans have regularly protested against the board

Fan protests against the board continue, and questions linger about the quality and timing of summer signings like record buy Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran.

O'Neill's tactical changes haven't worked

He has tried different midfielders and even dropped wingers entirely against Rangers, starting with five defenders instead. Nothing has improved the results.

Legacy at stake after double

O'Neill delivered a league and cup double last season after returning as interim manager, but a trophyless campaign this year could tarnish his legendary status at the club.

Still top but the gap is closing

Still top but the gap is closing

Celtic lead the Scottish Premiership by just two points instead of the eight-point lead they could have had, with Rangers and Hearts mounting stronger challenges.

Season far from over

Celtic have played only seven of 38 league games and have seven more Europa League matches to play. O'Neill insists the club will fight back from this turmoil.

“"the history of the club proves it will fight back"”

What it means

Celtic remain top of the league but their recent form against Rangers and in Europe has sparked debate about whether manager Martin O'Neill should step aside despite his legendary status at the club.

Read the original on Sky Sports

React

Sign in to react and comment.

Comments (0)

Life is short. Keep it sweet. Respect others' opinions and be kind!

    Recommended next

    More decks on celtic and related topics.