Photo via BBC Sport

Leaden, stale, disheartening - where do Celtic & O'Neill go from here?

Celtic suffered another damaging setback on Thursday, slumping to a 3-1 home loss against Ferencvaros and letting in three goals just days after enduring a lopsided defeat to Rangers at Ibrox. The disappointing European showing added to growing defensive woes that recently saw the club ship five goals against LASK, leaving supporters increasingly alarmed by the squad's sudden loss of cohesion, precision, and drive compared to the dynamic football once played under Ange Postecoglou.

Following the final whistle, manager Martin O'Neill acknowledged the emotional strain, mistakes, and psychological hit his players have absorbed, yet he gave assurances that the squad would regroup ahead of Sunday's immediate rematch with Rangers at Celtic Park. Despite his track record of resolving crises and guiding the club through turbulent times, the manager cut an uncharacteristically subdued and weary figure as he addressed his team's mounting shortcomings.