Martin O'Neill is undeniably a Celtic icon, yet recent performances have sparked a debate about whether a change is required before the club’s difficulties spiral into a full‑blown crisis. The 74‑year‑old manager has already hinted that he will assess the situation and decide whether it is "time to wrap it up" after the 1‑0 defeat to Rangers at Parkhead. That loss marked the second setback to their Old Firm rivals within a single week, a week that also saw Celtic tumble 3‑1 to Ferencváros in the Europa League.
Each display in recent weeks has been as troubling as the last, leaving Hoops supporters uneasy about the remainder of the season, especially with the international break looming. Celtic began their defence of the Scottish Premiership title with six consecutive victories, but many of those wins were far from convincing. Their dramatic collapse in the Champions League play‑off against LASK – overturning a 4‑0 first‑leg lead only to lose 5‑4 on aggregate – raised serious questions about O'Neill’s tactics and the squad’s mental resilience.
The disappointment continued with a lacklustre showing against Rangers in the Scottish League Cup, followed by another sub‑par performance in the Europa League, which only heightened the pressure on the manager. The 1‑0 loss to their Old Firm adversaries in front of a 60,000‑strong home crowd was a bitter pill to swallow. Although Celtic remain top of the league heading into a three‑week international hiatus, their lead has dwindled to just two points instead of the comfortable eight‑point cushion they could have enjoyed. It is tempting to lay the blame squarely at O'Neill’s feet when results falter, but the club’s challenges run deeper than a single manager’s decisions.
Last season saw fan protests aimed at the board, and calls for structural change have not faded. Critics have scrutinised the timing and quality of the summer transfer window acquisitions. While Celtic splashed cash on record signing Kasper Høgh, as well as Camilo Duran, Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan before their Champions League exit, a flurry of late‑deadline signings further complicated squad integration. O'Neill is still experimenting with how best to utilise these newcomers, rotating midfield options without finding a settled formula.
In the most recent Old Firm defeat he even abandoned his wingers, opting for a back‑five and pushing Kieran Tierney into a more advanced role – a gamble that produced the same disappointing result. Celtic have claimed 14 of the last 15 league titles, often without adequately replacing key players who have departed. Some supporters argue that prolonged domestic dominance has bred complacency at the executive level, and now a revitalised Rangers side, alongside an ambitious Hearts team, is presenting a genuine threat.
The club’s substantial summer outlay has raised expectations that a trophy‑free campaign would send a clear message: having deep pockets is insufficient without the right personnel on the pitch. Scottish football can change course rapidly. O'Neill previously stepped in as interim manager twice last season, stabilising the ship and guiding Celtic to an unlikely league and cup double.
After those successes, the Irishman decided he was not ready to retire and accepted a permanent role at Parkhead, 21 years after his initial spell concluded. During his first tenure he amassed seven major trophies and led the team to a UEFA Cup final in 2003, establishing a side that was notoriously difficult to beat – a stark contrast to the vulnerability displayed this season. Celtic fans adore Martin O'Neill, yet even the most steadfast supporters are beginning to wonder if it might be time for him to step aside.
He made bold tactical adjustments after the loss at Ibrox, hoping to reverse fortunes ahead of the mid‑week clash with Ferencváros, but those changes failed to produce the desired effect. Subsequent alterations for the Rangers game also fell flat. While O'Neill still possesses the ability to replicate last season’s achievements, failure to resolve the squad’s underlying issues could result in a season without silverware and a blemish on his otherwise illustrious legacy.
Amid the gloom, it is easy to forget that Celtic still sit atop the Scottish Premiership table. Following the defeat to Rangers, O'Neill told Sky Sports that he did not believe there was "very much between the teams" and insisted that the club’s history guarantees a fightback after a week of turmoil. He called for perspective, asking, "Is it a disaster? I don't think so.
We have to rethink and reset." His assessment is realistic – the season is far from over. Celtic have completed only seven of their 38 league fixtures and still have seven Europa League matches remaining. The current turbulence could still culminate in another successful campaign for Celtic, provided the club can find the right balance on the field and restore confidence among its supporters.
Upcoming fixtures will be crucial: Motherwell visits on October 11, Benfica travels to Glasgow for a Europa League tie on October 15, Hearts host on October 18, Celta Vigo arrives for another Europa League clash on October 22, Hibernian comes to Celtic on October 25, and Dundee United rounds off the month on October 28. Each match offers an opportunity for O'Neill and his squad to demonstrate resilience, adapt tactics, and reclaim the dominance that has defined Celtic for decades. In summary, while the recent run of poor results has raised legitimate concerns about Martin O'Neill’s future at Celtic, the club’s deep-rooted history, financial resources, and remaining fixtures mean that a turnaround is still within reach. The next few weeks will reveal whether the manager can re‑ignite the team’s winning mentality or whether the board and fans will decide that a new direction is required to safeguard Celtic’s legacy.