Celtic were humbled at Ibrox on Sunday as Rangers cruised to a 3-0 victory in the Premier Sports Cup.
The result was embarrassing for the Hoops, but it was not the first time they have been brought crashing back down to earth this season. We are only in September and the warning signs are already becoming impossible to ignore.
Celtic held a commanding 4-0 lead over LASK in their Champions League qualifier, yet still managed to throw the tie away. Instead of competing alongside Europe’s elite, they are now preparing for Europa League football.
That collapse could no longer be dismissed as a freak result after Sunday’s dismal display against Rangers.
Celtic were second best across the pitch. They were played through far too easily, conceded chance after chance and rarely looked capable of changing the direction of the contest.
There appeared to be no clear plan in possession and even less organisation when Rangers attacked. For a team with ambitions of winning trophies and competing in Europe, the performance was nowhere near acceptable.
Supporter protests against the board became one of the stories of last season as fans made their frustration clear. Unless there is a significant improvement, similar scenes could unfold again this term.
The concern is not simply that Celtic have suffered two damaging results. It is that the same problems keep appearing with no sign of solutions.
Opponents are finding it too easy to create chances, while Celtic’s players often look unsure of their roles. From the outside, this does not resemble a properly coached team with a recognisable identity.
Derek McInnes had described the state of the club before a ball had even been kicked at Ibrox.
Speaking to Premier Sports before the match, he said: “Everything that’s said about Martin is absolutely right. He’s brought calmness to the club when the club was a mess.”
Martin O’Neill may have brought some calm to Celtic, but Sunday showed just how much work remains to be done.
September is far too early for a season to be unravelling. After a Champions League collapse and an Ibrox humiliation, however, Celtic already look like a club in serious trouble.
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2 responses
On this showing a trophyless season ahead and second in the Prem at best. May not like it but they are now on a roll and with a whole week to recharge and smash into us again, and they will try and as we saw work hard and double up on all of our attacking players and surge forwards, it is not a good look. Our inept board again caught out and using sales money to sign players and again not enough. Callum is slowing down and Hogh’s smile makes me wince, while a new and rich sevco board are recruiting well and with strength. We need strong fighters in midfield and center back, Kierney is carrying injuries now and cannot do it consistently. Horrible.
Martin needs to start listening to his staff and not just saying he’s the manager,if he doesn’t trust them and they are the ones who picked the tactics and team against Feyenoord,then the problem is ONeil himself.