# 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.
- Title: Celtic at a crossroads after Rangers collapse · Sky Sports
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: celtic, martin o'neill, rangers, scottish premiership, old firm, europa league, champions league, lask, ferencvaros, managerial future, squad investment, sports
- Source: Sky Sports — https://skysports.com/football/news/12040/13590358/celtic-martin-oneill-takes-time-to-reflect-but-where-do-scottish-premiership-champions-go-from-here
- Author: Alison Conroy
- Published: 2026-09-20T15:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: celtic, martin o'neill, rangers, scottish premiership, old firm, europa league, champions league, lask, ferencvaros, managerial future, squad investment, sports
## O'Neill considers his future
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
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
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"
## Key takeaway

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.