Double Old Firm setback puts 74-year-old Martin O'Neill under pressure at Celtic
While Celtic, the Firm, after a double defeat to Rangers struggles to retain the lead in the Premiership, 74‑year‑old manager Martin O'Neill is considering his future in the green side of Glasgow during the extended international break. The outcome of both scenarios remains uncertain.
Double defeat to Rangers
Celtic fell last week in the League Cup quarter‑final to Rangers and also lost in the Premiership to the arch‑rival, a double setback that puts the Hoops' position under serious pressure. The defeats come after a season in which the club, often referred to as the Firm, was already under heavy criticism.
Last season, however, Celtic had beaten Heart of Midlothian on the final day in the race for the Scottish league title and reached the Scottish Cup final, which earned Martin O'Neill a permanent appointment. Nevertheless, a 4‑0 lead against LASK Linz was lost in the third qualifying round of the Champions League and was followed by a disappointing home defeat to Ferencváros in the Europa League, after which the club lost to Rangers again.
O'Neill considering departure
The 74‑year‑old manager said he is seriously considering handing in his contract and will contemplate his future in the green side of Glasgow this week. He stated: “I am not immune to criticism. It is about whether I can help the team, that is what a manager is supposed to do. I will think about that this week.”
O'Neill, a clubman through and through, was split last season over two spells as interim manager for the squad, a role that eventually led him to a permanent position. His contemplation comes at a time when the club is in a crucial phase.
Former director Paul Lambert said that O'Neill’s dismissal “would achieve nothing”. He declared: “I would be shocked and disappointed. He has built enough credit. Not long ago people were calling for a statue for him.” Lambert, who was captain under O'Neill, still calls him the best manager since Jock Stein and believes the club should give O'Neill the choice.
After seven games, Celtic top the Premiership with a two‑point lead over Rangers, while Hearts sit five points behind. The club resumes the league after the international break with an away match against Motherwell, a clash that raises the question of whether the Hoops can continue with or without O'Neill.