Martin O'Neill is set to take a hard look at his position as Celtic manager after the team suffered a 1-0 loss to Rangers at Parkhead. The defeat comes on the heels of a 3-0 League Cup triumph over the same opponents at Ibrox, and a tightly contested Scottish Premiership match in which a first‑half goal from Ryan Naderi left Derek McInnes' side just two points behind Celtic at the top of the table before the international break. Now in his second permanent spell at the helm – following two interim appointments earlier in the season – O'Neill has felt the pressure mounting, especially after a 3-1 setback to Ferencváros at Celtic Park on Thursday night.
The 74‑year‑old manager admitted that the string of under‑whelming performances has forced him into a period of self‑reflection. "I will genuinely reflect and see," the Northern Irishman said. "It’s about whether I can still help this club.
A manager’s job is to do that, and I’ll be looking at it this week." He went on to acknowledge that age may be a factor in the current situation. "Every time something goes wrong, you start to wonder if age is playing a part. And you know what?
They might be right. I’ll be 110 in two years, so perhaps it’s time to wrap things up," O'Neill joked, before adding that he would discuss the matter with the board and possibly take a few days away to gain perspective. When pressed about what he would do if his reflection concluded that he could no longer improve the squad, he replied, "By then I’ll let you know.
I don’t know yet, I’ll have a look." Addressing the growing negativity among Celtic supporters, O'Neill said, "I think they’re absolutely entitled to be upset. I told you on Friday they have a right to be critical.
I’m not immune to criticism – far from it. There’s every reason to ask, ‘Can you turn this around?
Can you change the whole thing?’" He reminded fans that Celtic still sit two points clear at the top, urging a broader view of the season ahead. "We’re in a massive fight with Rangers and Hearts, who are still very much in contention.
It’s a long campaign, and I’ve been questioned before about my tenure. I’ll reflect and see what’s next." Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon weighed in on Sky Sports, noting O'Neill’s tactical tinkering. "He changed formation and made four changes mid‑week, trying to find a formula that gives the team fluidity.
Rangers were simply superior – not just physically, but technically. They played full‑sided football, while Celtic were decent in the first half but fell apart after the break. The second half was disjointed, out‑worked and battered.
All the best players were in a blue shirt, but they have a lot to ponder and work on. The international break could be a good reset, but three poor performances in a week are worrying." Sky’s Chris Sutton echoed the sentiment, saying, "Knowing Martin, he’ll be deeply concerned. I don’t want to disagree with him, but it wasn’t a close game. There was a massive gulf between the sides.
I can’t recall a Celtic team being so thoroughly dominated at Celtic Park by Rangers. It looked like Celtic were improvising, while Rangers were better in every department. Celtic have big problems – being smashed by Rangers is a serious concern." The loss has sparked speculation about O'Neill’s future. Some fans argue that his age and recent results suggest a change may be overdue, while others point to his previous successes and the narrow margin at the top of the table as reasons to give him more time.
The club’s board has not yet issued an official statement, but O'Neill’s promise to discuss the situation with them indicates that a decision may be forthcoming. In the meantime, Celtic will enter the international break with a chance to regroup. The squad will be split between those heading to national team duties and those staying to focus on club matters.
The coaching staff will likely use the pause to address the tactical issues highlighted by both Lennon and Sutton, such as the lack of cohesion in the second half and the need for a more dynamic attacking approach. Supporters will be watching closely for any sign of a shift in tone or strategy when the league resumes. Whether O'Neill decides to stay the course, steps aside voluntarily, or is asked to leave by the board, the coming weeks will be crucial for Celtic’s title ambitions and for the manager’s legacy at the club.
The upcoming fixtures against Rangers and Hearts will serve as a litmus test for the team’s resilience and for O'Neill’s ability to adapt under pressure.