Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is planning to make subtle changes to the team's strategy as they prepare to defend their Scottish Premiership title.

What's Next for Celtic?

O'Neill returns as the permanent Celtic manager on a one-year contract with the option of a further year after steering the club to a league and Scottish Cup double over two separate spells in charge last season.

As of the current season, Celtic stands at 3rd in Premiership, with 67 points from 33 games, and a recent form of WWWWW. | Category | Stat | | League Standing | 3rd in Premiership | | Points | 67 | | Recent Form | WWWWW |

Celtic's Title Defence

Celtic pipped Hearts to the league on the final day, finishing two points ahead of the Tynecastle side and 10 clear of third-placed Rangers. O'Neill expects another close run title race in the coming season.

Challenges Ahead

O'Neill described last season as a "wake-up call" for the club and its younger fans who had been accustomed to winning the league more comfortably in recent years. The team's last result was a 3-1 win against Dunfermline on 2026-05-23. With 59 goals scored and 35 conceded, Celtic has a goal difference of +24. The team is currently 3 points behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian.

Pre-Season Plans

O'Neill intends to use pre-season to introduce some new concepts ahead of the Premiership campaign kicking off against Dundee on August 3 and the Champions League play-off later that month. "We'll get pre-season, try and get a couple of players in to augment the squad and try and get going," O'Neill told Celtic TV.