The reaction from Sky Sports' panel was brutally honest when they dissected Martin O'Neill's Celtic side following their second loss to Rangers in just eight days. The defeat at Parkhead, a narrow 1-0 setback, came on the heels of a disappointing showing against Ferencvaros in the Europa League, leaving the Glasgow giants perched only two points clear at the summit of the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers, meanwhile, have signalled that they are serious contenders this campaign, delivering a performance that left Celtic looking vulnerable. Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes the upcoming international break offers a timely opportunity for the team to hit the reset button. While O'Neill shares Lennon's sentiment that a period of reflection is needed, he was quick to downplay the situation, insisting that a winless spell does not amount to a catastrophe. "It was a tough game.
I don't think there's very much between the teams," the 74‑year‑old manager told Sky Sports. "We should have created more. We had a lot of possession. It has been a tough week.
The history of the club proves it will fight back from these things. It's concerning. Is it a disaster? I don't think so.
We have to rethink and reset. It's a time for self‑reflection." Lennon, who enjoyed considerable success both as a player and as a manager in Old Firm clashes, was less forgiving.
After watching Rangers dominate at Celtic Park, he said, "Rangers were the far superior team, not just in physical attributes and running power, but football. They played all the football. I thought Celtic were a lot better than they have been in the first half, without being brilliant.
But second half, totally disjointed, totally outplayed. All the best players were in a blue shirt today.
Celtic have a lot to ponder and a lot to work out." He added that the international pause could be beneficial, even though many Celtic players will be away on national duty. "There needs to be a total reset because the last three performances in the space of a week have been very, very poor. Celtic have got big problems.
They were smashed by Rangers and that's a concern," Lennon said. Former teammate Chris Sutton echoed the sentiment, noting, "Celtic have big problems.
They were smashed by Rangers and that's a concern." Sutton continued, "Knowing Martin, he'll be greatly concerned. I don't like to disagree with him but it wasn't a close game. There was a massive gulf between the teams.
I can't actually remember a Celtic team getting such a drubbing at Celtic Park from a Rangers side, which happened today. It looked like Celtic were making it up as they went along. Rangers were better in every department. It was men against boys, the exact same as last week." Even Rangers' own former player and current Sky Sports analyst Kris Boyd praised his old club's display, while highlighting the depth of Celtic's issues.
"To come and dominate a Celtic team as much as they did, it should have been more convincing than what it was," Boyd observed. "Celtic are lucky to get out of here 1-0. You look at the changes that Martin made at the start of the game, the subs that came on made zero impact as well. Right now, Celtic are a team that's in big trouble." The consensus among pundits is clear: Celtic must use the break to regroup, address tactical shortcomings, and restore confidence.
O'Neill's side has shown flashes of quality—dominating possession and creating chances—but has failed to translate that into results when it matters most. The defensive lapses, especially in the second half against Rangers, exposed a lack of cohesion and stamina that opponents have begun to exploit. Looking ahead, the managerial staff will likely focus on several key areas. First, the midfield must become more disciplined, ensuring that the team retains shape while still pressing forward.
Second, the defensive line needs to improve its communication and positioning to avoid being caught out by quick transitions. Third, the attacking unit must find a clearer route to goal, perhaps by varying the point of attack and incorporating more direct play to break down compact defenses. Fitness will also be a priority during the international window.
With several players expected to feature for their national sides, the coaching team will have to manage workloads carefully to prevent fatigue and injuries upon their return. The mental aspect cannot be ignored either; rebuilding belief after a series of demoralising defeats is essential for any turnaround. In summary, Celtic's recent performances have raised serious questions about their ability to compete at the highest level this season. While the club's storied history suggests they have the resilience to bounce back, the upcoming break offers a crucial juncture to reassess tactics, restore morale, and implement the necessary changes.
Whether O'Neill can steer the team back on course before the next round of fixtures remains to be seen, but the consensus among experts is that a comprehensive reset is not just advisable—it is imperative.