Martin O'Neill's Celtic face scrutiny over their European form one year after Brendan Rodgers' exit. The manager has overseen domestic success but heavy continental defeats have sparked debate about the club's direction and boardroom leadership.
O'Neill took charge immediately after Rodgers resigned following a defeat at Hearts. He had been working as a pundit, "semi-enjoying my life watching the game from afar" and "talking nonsense most of the time" before returning to the club he led to multiple trophies in the past. His side have lost just one of their league games this season. They currently sit first in the Premiership. Top scorer Camilo Durán has netted multiple times in those appearances.
European heartache and the LASK hangover
Results in Europe have caused alarm. Celtic suffered heavy defeats against LASK, Ferencvaros and Benfica this season, exiting the Champions League and sitting bottom of their Europa League group. "There's still a bit of a hangover amongst the players from that one," O'Neill said of the European campaign. The team's recent form shows two wins, one draw and two losses in their last five games across all competitions. Durán and Liam Scales were on target in a recent stalemate.
Calls for change and board accountability
Fan and pundit views on O'Neill's future are mixed, with criticism often redirected towards the board. "O'Neill domestically is more than capable," said pundit Tino Callaghan. "But the Celtic squad is woefully inept in European football and you just need to have a glance at that for evidence when you look at the bench on those European nights." Former striker Chris Sutton described the side as flat-track bullies only able to dominate in Scottish football. Callaghan agreed the club is falling behind, noting, "We're just falling way, way behind. But it wasn't that long ago where we were competing with Bayern Munich and beating Leipzig."
Another pundit, Michael Gannon, argued O'Neill has been used as a human shield by the board. "I feel for him a little bit because he's the only person at Celtic who fronts up and faces questions on a regular basis," he said. Questions about the absent full-time chairman, head of recruitment, and director of football are not for the manager to answer, Gannon added. Despite the criticism, O'Neill has delivered a league title and a Scottish Cup in the past year. "But, within that year, he's won a league and he's won a Scottish Cup as well, so not too bad," Gannon concluded.
Current form and the road ahead
O'Neill admitted he considered his position during the last international break. The team's immediate focus is a trip to face Falkirk. With many goals scored and few conceded in the league, the foundation for another title challenge is solid. Yet the contrast between domestic dominance and European disappointment defines this anniversary. The manager will be conscious of his legacy, and many expect this to be his final season. He will want to move on, if that is the case, with another league title secured. The full fixtures list shows a busy schedule ahead as Celtic aim to extend their lead at the top of the standings.
Read the full report at BBC Sport Football
