The commentary from Sky Sports analysts was scathing as they dissected Martin O'Neill's Celtic side following a second loss to Rangers within just eight days. The defeat at Parkhead, which handed Rangers a 1-0 victory, came on the back of a disappointing Europa League exit at the hands of Ferencvaros, leaving the Hoops only two points clear at the summit of the Scottish Premiership as the international break approached. Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes the timing of the break could not be better, offering the squad an opportunity to "reset" after a string of sub‑par performances.

O'Neill, while acknowledging the need for reflection, was quick to temper the situation, insisting that a winless week does not constitute a "disaster". "It was a tough game. I don't think there's very much between the teams," the 74‑year‑old manager said. "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 wealth of Old Firm success both as a player and a coach, was less forgiving when he watched Rangers dominate at Celtic Park.

"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." He added that all of the best players wore the blue jersey that day, underscoring the magnitude of the task ahead. "Celtic have a lot to ponder and a lot to work out. They've got an international break, which is probably coming at a good time for them.

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.

Chris Sutton, Lennon's former teammate, echoed those sentiments. "Celtic have 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.

It was men against boys, it was the exact same as last week." Rangers' own former player and Sky Sports analyst Kris Boyd praised his current club's display while highlighting the alarming state of the champions. "To come and dominate a Celtic team as much as they did, it should have been more convincing than what it was," Boyd 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 consensus among pundits is clear: Celtic must use the upcoming international hiatus to regroup, assess tactical shortcomings, and restore confidence.

The club's storied history of bouncing back from adversity offers some solace, but the magnitude of the recent setbacks—losses in both domestic and European arenas—suggests that a simple tactical tweak will not suffice. A comprehensive reset, encompassing player mindset, training methodology, and perhaps even strategic personnel changes, appears to be the urgent prescription. For the fans, the sight of their beloved Hoops being outclassed on home soil is a bitter pill.

Yet the narrative of Celtic is one of resilience. If the management can harness the introspection urged by Lennon and the stark warnings from former players, the team may yet rediscover the form that has made them a dominant force in Scottish football for decades.

The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether Celtic can halt the slide and re‑establish themselves as genuine title contenders, or whether the current turmoil signals a deeper, more systemic issue that will require a longer‑term overhaul.