Sports21 September, 20262 min read
Martin O'Neill Reflects on Celtic Future After Rangers Defeat at Parkhead
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Celtic face scrutiny as O'Neill weighs future after back-to-back Rangers defeats and Europa loss International break to take stock and decide next steps
O'Neill under scrutiny
Martin O'Neill said he will "reflect and see" as Celtic's future came under further scrutiny after a 1-0 defeat by Rangers at Parkhead. O'Neill pointed to the question of whether he can "help the team" and said, "I will look at that this week" during the international break. Sky Sports reported that Celtic lost 3-1 at home to Ferencvaros in their Europa League opener between the Old Firm defeats to Rangers.
O'Neill also said, "I think every single time something crops up and things don't go so well, age plays a part" and added, "they might be right" as he weighed his position. Neil Lennon told Sky Sports that O'Neill "changed formation" and made "four changes midweek" in an attempt to find "a recipe to get some fluidity."
Lambert backs his case
Paul Lambert said he would be "shocked and disappointed" if Celtic sacked Martin O'Neill, while Lambert insisted O'Neill is Celtic's best manager since the great Jock Stein.
Lambert added that it "wouldn't surprise" him if O'Neill left and said Celtic should give him "the option" if that is what he wants.
O'Neill said he was "not immune from criticism" and argued there was "every reason to ask 'can you turn this round? Can you change the whole thing?'" after back-to-back defeats by Rangers.
O'Neill also described his decision-making as a broader review, saying, "I have to kind of look at the bigger picture at this minute."
Lambert said O'Neill steadied the Celtic ship twice last term following the departures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, describing the turnaround as rescuing a side "hanging on by a thread."
Next matches and pressure
The Daily Record said Celtic's pressure will come "crashing down" after losing three games on the bounce, including back-to-back derby defeats to Rangers and a Europa League horror show against Ferencvaros.
The Heavy outlet said Neil Lennon told Sky Sports that O'Neill "still has the energy to continue in charge" and that it is normal for him to be under pressure in situations like these.
The Heavy outlet also set out Celtic's October schedule, including a visit to Motherwell on Oct. 11 and a trip to Benfica on Oct. 15.
The Scottish Sun said O'Neill has three weeks until Celtic's next game at Motherwell on October 11 if he decided to walk or if Celtic were to pull the plug.
Betfair spokesperson James Mackie said, "Ex-Celtic club captain Neil Lennon is even money to take over at Celtic Park" after O'Neill's second Old Firm derby loss in the space of a week to Rangers.