Celtic suffer another heavy defeat as questions mount over O'Neill
Celtic lost heavily to Ferencvaros on Thursday just days after a battering at Ibrox, exposing deep problems in the team's play and raising doubts about manager Martin O'Neill's path forward.
Celtic suffered a second consecutive heavy defeat on Thursday night, losing to Ferencvaros and conceding three goals after already being thrashed at Ibrox the previous weekend. The performance showed the same weaknesses seen in recent matches — a disorganised midfield, weak defending, inaccurate passing and an overall lack of energy and intensity.
Despite holding 62.5% possession in the first half, Celtic trailed 2-1 at the break. The second goal conceded just before half-time was typical of a struggling side — hesitancy in the fight for a loose ball, weak defending against a cross, and general disarray at the back.
Individual performances raise concern
Forward Kasper Hogh, who scored against clubs including Manchester City and Inter Milan while at Bodo/Glimt, has scored in just one of his eight games since Celtic paid £11m for him. Midfielder Camilo Duran, who had shown enthusiasm since his move, also struggled, touching the ball only eight times in the first half.
One of Ferencvaros's goals came from former Celtic player Daniel Arzani, who scored following a counter-attack that caught Celtic's defence out of position.
Old Firm clash looms
After the match, manager Martin O'Neill spoke of frustration and psychological strain, saying the team needed to regroup before facing Rangers on Sunday. However, his tone was described as flat and unconvincing. Captain Callum McGregor acknowledged the team is currently "a little bit broken." Sunday's Old Firm derby will show whether O'Neill's side can recover from the current crisis.
