The commentary from Sky Sports analysts was scathing when they dissected Martin O'Neill's Celtic side following a second loss to Rangers within just eight days. The defeat was compounded by a disappointing showing against Ferencvaros in the Europa League, leaving the Hoops to head into the international break with only a slender two‑point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership. Rangers, meanwhile, demonstrated that they are serious contenders this season by securing a 1‑0 win at Celtic Park.
Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes the timing of the break could not be more appropriate for the squad to "reset" its approach. While O'Neill concurs that a period of reflection is needed, he stopped short of labeling 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 said, acknowledging that Celtic should have been more creative despite dominating possession. "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 a prolific period of Old Firm victories both as a player and as a manager, was far from gentle in his assessment after watching Rangers run riot at Parkhead.
"Rangers were the far superior team, not just in physical attributes and running power, but football," he observed. "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 upcoming international break might actually benefit Celtic, giving them a chance to regroup. "I know a lot of them may be away playing for their countries, but 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 those concerns, noting the severity of the defeat. "Celtic have got big problems. They were smashed by Rangers and that's a concern," he remarked. "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." Sutton summed it up succinctly: "It was men against boys, it was the exact same as last week." His words underline the perception that Celtic have been outclassed not just tactically but also mentally. Rangers' own former player and Sky Sports analyst Kris Boyd was equally blunt in his appraisal of the champions. "To come and dominate a Celtic team as much as what they did, it should have been more convincing than what it was," he said.
"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 broader picture suggests that Celtic's recent form is symptomatic of deeper issues. Over the past week, they have suffered a league loss to their fiercest rivals, a sub‑par performance in Europe, and a lack of tactical flexibility that has left fans and pundits alike questioning the direction of the club.
The managerial staff will now have to decide whether to stick with their current system or make more radical alterations to the lineup and playing style. In practical terms, the international break offers a rare window for players to rest, recover from minor injuries, and receive individualized coaching. It also provides the coaching team with the opportunity to review video footage, identify patterns of weakness—such as a failure to transition quickly from defense to attack—and devise drills that address those shortcomings.
A focused reset could involve re‑establishing a clear pressing strategy, improving the midfield's ability to dictate tempo, and ensuring that forwards receive better service in the final third. Furthermore, the psychological aspect cannot be ignored. Losing to Rangers at home can dent confidence, especially when the margin of defeat is as stark as it was. Team leaders, both on and off the pitch, will need to rally the squad, reminding them of Celtic's storied resilience and the club's tradition of bouncing back from adversity.
Looking ahead, the next fixtures will be crucial. A strong performance after the break could restore belief and tighten the title race, while another slip could widen the gap between Celtic and the league leaders. Fans will be watching closely to see whether O'Neill can implement the necessary adjustments and whether his side can rediscover the spark that has historically defined Celtic football. In summary, the consensus among former players, analysts, and the manager himself is clear: Celtic are in a precarious position and must use the forthcoming pause to reset their tactics, mentality, and overall approach.
Only by addressing the shortcomings highlighted over the past week can they hope to reclaim their dominant status in Scottish football and mount a credible challenge in Europe.