Celtic's Champions League hopes ended in a dramatic 5-4 aggregate defeat to LASK in Austria on Tuesday night. The Scottish Premiership leaders surrendered a four-goal advantage in a result that has plunged the club into a period of inquest and mourning, as reported by The Scotsman Football.
Martin O'Neill, the 74-year-old manager, addressed the media at Lennoxtown on Friday in a briefing devoid of humour. The mood was sombre as he took responsibility for a result that extends a dismal European play-off record. Celtic have now lost their last six such ties and won only two of their last ten. This follows a similar exit to Kairat Almaty at the same stage last campaign.
Why are Celtic fans so angry?
Supporters' frustration is set to be visible at Celtic Park this Saturday when the team hosts Falkirk. There is a strong possibility of banners and protests aimed at the board, with recruitment strategy a particular point of criticism. The club may have invested over £25 million in four new players, but a widespread fan sentiment is that preparation for these crucial play-off matches remains insufficient. The atmosphere is expected to be darker than usual, a stark contrast to Celtic's perfect domestic start which sees them top of the Premiership with six points from two wins, scoring six goals and conceding just one.
How did the defeat to LASK unfold?
The nature of the collapse in Linz was particularly galling. After establishing a strong position, the players capitulated fecklessly according to the report. The decisive goal came after substitute midfielder Luke McCowan was dispossessed, leading to intense online abuse that forced him to delete his social media account. O'Neill, who first managed Celtic when he was 48, now faces the task of rejuvenating his squad for the challenges ahead, including a home match against Aberdeen on September 2nd. Key players Alistair Johnston and Jota are currently sidelined, adding to the selection concerns detailed on our injuries page.
What does the Europa League draw offer?
Some consolation was found in Thursday's Europa League group stage draw. Celtic were placed in a section with Benfica, Marseille, Celta Vigo, Besiktas, Ferencvaros, Omonia Nicosia, and Torreense. When asked about it, O'Neill was in no mood for optimism. "I've got the list here in my pocket," he said. "I saw Benfica, I never read any further! It's not the day for fun and games." The competition offers a secondary route for European football, but the overwhelming focus is on the missed primary target.
What happens next for Celtic?
The immediate priority is regrouping for the Falkirk match before the international break. O'Neill stressed the need for learning from repeated failures. "That's the most important thing, attempting to learn," he stated. He is the latest in a line of Celtic managers to pledge that the club will learn and not repeat the same mistakes, expressing a belief that Celtic will eventually rise and qualify for the Champions League in future seasons, even if he is not the manager to see it. The long road back starts now, with domestic dominance remaining essential. Fans can track the team's progress in the standings and view upcoming matches on our fixtures page.
