Celtic's slump deepens as O'Neill faces pressure after Ferencvaros loss
Celtic’s fans are being asked to question Martin O'Neill’s ability to halt a worrying decline after the side suffered a heavy defeat to Ferencvaros, following a shellacking at Ibrox on Sunday, with three more goals conceded and a performance described as leaden, stale and disheartening.
Ferencvaros defeat exposes tactical frailties
In the Europa League opener Celtic fell 3-1 to Ferencvaros, conceding three goals after a shellacking at Ibrox on Sunday. Their attempts to revive the game came from distance and lacked the coherence of pressing and speed that characterised their best displays. The performance was described as leaden, stale and disheartening.
The match highlighted absent‑mindedness in midfield and loose defending across the back line. Negativity and a lack of accuracy on the ball meant Celtic failed to grasp the basics of pass and move, with insufficient intensity and work‑rate to create any real chance.
O'Neill's response and lingering doubts
Martin O'Neill admitted frustration, calling the low moments a psychological blow and promising to “get ourselves together” for the upcoming Rangers clash on Sunday. His tone was flat and tired, mirroring the team's leaden display. He outlined the deficiencies but offered no clear solution.
Statistically Celtic dominated possession in the first half with 62.5 % but still trailed 2‑1 at the break. The opening half showed a decent start, yet a soft goal before the interval swung momentum in Ferencvaros’ favour.
Individual performances under scrutiny
Camilo Duran, deployed ahead of Kasper Hogh, recorded only eight touches and contributed little despite his recent enthusiasm for life in Glasgow. Hogh, who once scored against Manchester City and other European clubs for Bodo Glimt, now appears an awkward centre‑forward with a poor first touch, having scored in just one of his eight games for Celtic.
O'Neill has yet to unlock the £11 million signing that was expected to thrive, and club talisman Callum McGregor looks lost amid the chaos. The lack of fire and emotion has left fans questioning whether the team can rediscover the aggression and ingenuity shown under former manager Ange Postecoglou.
Supporters recall five goals conceded against LASK, the desperate defeat at Ibrox and now this latest setback, fueling worries about the side’s direction. The atmosphere at Celtic Park has been described as low‑energy, with loud booing echoing the feeling of a side with no answers.