Callum McGregor has delivered a stark assessment of Celtic's performance in their 3-0 defeat to Rangers, saying his team looked like a collection of individuals. The captain's comments came after a League Cup quarter-final loss at Ibrox on Sunday that halted Celtic's unbeaten domestic run.
McGregor told reporters after the match that the display was unacceptable. "You saw a team and you saw a team of individuals," the Celtic captain said. "We looked like a team of individuals who wanted to do our own thing, play when we got the ball and not necessarily run when we don't have the ball."
Dan Neil opened the scoring for Rangers in the 23rd minute, with Kyogo Furuhashi adding a second just before the hour mark. Neil completed the scoring with his second goal 15 minutes from time. Celtic, who had won all seven of their previous domestic fixtures this term, were second best for long periods and rarely threatened the Rangers goal.
Defensive concerns
The result marked a second sobering defeat of the campaign for Martin O'Neill's side, who had earlier surrendered a 4-0 aggregate lead to lose 5-4 to LASK in Champions League qualifying. McGregor admitted the scoreline at Ibrox could have been worse, revealing he had instructed defenders Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales to prevent further damage after the third goal went in.
"If it goes to fours and fives, it's a different ball game," McGregor said. He stated the team must tighten up defensively and find a way to function as a cohesive unit quickly.
Immediate response required
Celtic have no time to dwell on the loss, with a Europa League group stage match against Ferencvaros at Celtic Park on Thursday night. That is followed by a return Premiership fixture against Rangers at home next Sunday, which will be McGregor's 50th appearance in the derby. The team's recent form, shows they have now lost two of their last five matches across all competitions.
The captain said the team had put themselves under pressure and needed an immediate response in those two key games. "We need to win big games to be considered a good Celtic team," McGregor stated. "We haven't been winning big games or turning up when it mattered." The upcoming home game against Rangers is a critical part of the fixtures list for the club.
Despite the cup exit, Celtic remain top of the Scottish Premiership with 18 points from six games, holding a five-point lead over Rangers. Their next league assignment is away to Dundee United on 30 December.
Read the full report at BBC Sport Football
Celtic face Ferencvaros at Celtic Park on Thursday in the Europa League. The club's official data lists three injured players as of September 16. Alistair Johnston is out with a hamstring injury until October 10, the club said. Callum Osmand is sidelined with an ankle injury until September 26, according to the club. Jota remains out with a cruciate ligament injury, with a return expected on September 30. Celtic's recent form is four wins and one loss from their last five matches.
