Domestic Cups 2 hr ago · 327 words

Celtic have lost six of their last ten matches. Chris Sutton says team is regressing

Chris Sutton criticises Celtic's performance, highlighting their recent struggles and O'Neill's management.

View of Dublin's Aviva Stadium with dramatic clouds during sunset.

Photo by Selim Karadayı on Pexels

Chris Sutton has expressed his concerns over Celtic's performance following their 2-0 defeat to Falkirk, describing the team as being in regression. Sutton highlighted the unpredictability of manager Martin O'Neill's selections, suggesting that this inconsistency contributes to the team's struggles. The loss marked Falkirk's first victory against Celtic in 19 years, further emphasising the depth of the current issues within the squad.

Ethan Ross opened the scoring for Falkirk early in the match, with Scott Tanser adding a second goal, exposing Celtic's defensive weaknesses. This defeat leaves Celtic with only three wins in their last ten matches, failing to extend their lead at the top of the table. The team is also facing challenges in the Europa League, where they have lost all three of their matches so far.

Sutton pointed out that while Celtic may be top of the league, their performance in Europe has been disappointing, particularly against lesser-known teams. He noted that the club has faced issues throughout the season and expressed disbelief at the team's lack of cohesion. Sutton believes that O'Neill's management and coaching decisions are central to the team's current struggles, as he is responsible for the coaching staff and their tactics.

Despite the mounting criticism, O'Neill remains optimistic, stating that Celtic are still at the top of the league and have shown resilience in previous seasons. He acknowledged the team's challenges but maintained that they are in a decent position overall. However, former player Kris Boyd has raised questions about O'Neill's future at the club, citing the need for serious reflection on the team's direction and management.

Boyd emphasised that while Celtic can perform well when functioning as a unit, they have not been consistent this season. He remarked that the current situation raises doubts about O'Neill's capability to lead the team effectively. As the club navigates through these challenges, the lack of a clear plan for the future has become a pressing concern for both fans and analysts alike.

via Sky Sports