Celtic lost 1-0 to Rangers, adding to pressure on manager Martin O'Neill

Martin O'Neill faces increasing scrutiny regarding his future as Celtic manager after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Rangers at Parkhead. This loss follows a 3-0 League Cup defeat to the same opponents, leaving Celtic's position precarious as they head into the international break. The defeat also allowed Rangers to close the gap in the Scottish Premiership standings, now just two points behind the Hoops.

O'Neill, who is in his second permanent spell as manager, acknowledged the pressure he is under following a series of poor performances, including a recent 3-1 loss to Ferencvaros. He indicated that he would take time for self-reflection, stating that he would consider whether he can still help the team. O'Neill mentioned the impact of age on his decision-making process, hinting at the possibility of stepping down.

The manager's comments come amid growing negativity from Celtic supporters. He recognised their right to voice concerns and admitted that he is not immune to criticism. O'Neill stated that he must look at the bigger picture and evaluate the team's performance, especially with the competition from Rangers and Hearts intensifying.

Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon provided insight into the team's struggles, highlighting Rangers' superior performance. He noted that Celtic appeared disjointed and outplayed, particularly in the second half. Lennon suggested that the team needs a total reset after a series of disappointing outings, while Chris Sutton echoed these sentiments, emphasising the significant gap between the two teams during the match.

As Celtic prepares for the upcoming international break, O'Neill's future remains uncertain. He plans to reflect on the recent games and engage with the board about the team's direction. The pressure is mounting as fans and pundits alike call for a reassessment of the current situation at the club.

via Sky Sports