The reaction from Sky Sports commentators was scathing when they dissected Martin O'Neill's Celtic side following a second loss to Rangers within just eight days. The disappointment was compounded by a recent setback in the Europa League, where Celtic fell to Ferencvaros, leaving the team to head into the international break with only a two‑point cushion at the summit of the Scottish Premiership. Rangers, meanwhile, have signalled that they are serious contenders this season after securing a 1‑0 win at Celtic Park.
Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes the timing of the break could not be better, describing it as an opportunity for the squad to "reset" and regroup. While O'Neill shares Lennon's view that a reset is necessary, he stopped short of calling the winless spell a "disaster". "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 chances. We had a lot of possession but failed to turn it into goals.
It has been a difficult week, but the club's history shows it can bounce back from adversity. Is it a disaster? I don't think so.
We need to rethink, reset, and reflect on ourselves." Lennon was blunt about the performance, labeling Celtic as "outworked" and even "battered" – a harsh assessment for any side. He noted that Rangers were the superior team not only in physicality and stamina but also in the quality of their football.
"They played all the football. I thought Celtic were a lot better in the first half, but not brilliant. In the second half they were totally disjointed and outplayed," he added. The former player‑turned‑coach also highlighted the significance of the upcoming international pause.
"All the best players were in a blue shirt today. Celtic have a lot to ponder and a lot to work out. They have an international break, which is probably coming at a good time for them.
I know many of them may be away on national duty, but there needs to be a total reset because the last three performances in the space of a week have been very, very poor," Lennon said. Former teammate Chris Sutton echoed the concerns, describing the defeat as a "smashed" performance that raises serious questions about the team's direction.
"Celtic have big problems. They were smashed by Rangers and that's a concern," Sutton remarked. Even those close to the club admitted that the result was unsettling.
"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," said a former Celtic player.
"I can't actually remember a Celtic side being so thoroughly dominated at Celtic Park by Rangers. It looked like Celtic were making it up as they went along.
Rangers were better in every department. It was men against boys, just like last week." Rangers' own former player and current Sky Sports analyst Kris Boyd praised his old club's display, pointing out that the level of domination should have been more convincing. "To come and dominate a Celtic team as much as they did, it should have been more convincing than what it was," Boyd observed.
He also criticized Celtic's tactical adjustments, noting that the substitutions made by O'Neill had little impact. "Celtic are lucky to get out of here 1‑0. Right now, Celtic are a team that's in big trouble," Boyd concluded. The broader picture suggests that Celtic are at a crossroads.
Their recent European exit, combined with domestic setbacks, has exposed vulnerabilities in both their defensive organization and attacking creativity. The team has struggled to convert possession into clear-cut chances, often relying on individual brilliance rather than cohesive, collective play. This lack of fluidity was evident in the second half against Rangers, where the midfield failed to link up with the forwards, leading to a disjointed performance that left them exposed to the opponent's swift transitions. Looking ahead, the international break offers a chance for O'Neill to assess his squad, identify the areas that need immediate improvement, and perhaps experiment with different formations during training.
Reinforcing the midfield's ability to retain the ball under pressure and sharpening the attacking unit's movement will be essential. Additionally, the manager may need to consider bringing in fresh faces during the upcoming transfer window to inject competition and depth, especially in positions where injuries or fatigue could become a concern. The psychological aspect cannot be ignored either.
After a series of disappointing results, confidence can wane quickly. A structured reset period—encompassing tactical reviews, mental conditioning, and perhaps team‑building activities—could help restore belief within the squad. Engaging senior players to lead by example and mentor younger teammates will also be pivotal in re‑establishing a winning mentality.
In summary, Celtic's recent performances have highlighted significant shortcomings that require urgent attention. While the club's storied history suggests resilience, the current situation demands a comprehensive reset: tactical fine‑tuning, strategic squad reinforcement, and a renewed focus on mental strength. Only by addressing these issues holistically can Celtic hope to regain their footing in the Premiership race and restore their reputation as a dominant force in Scottish football.