Martin O'Neill's tenure as Celtic manager faces uncertainty after a dismal week that saw the team suffer three consecutive defeats, including two to rivals Rangers.
Key facts
Celtic lost 1-0 to Rangers in the Scottish Premiership on September 20, 2026.
O'Neill's side also lost 3-0 to Rangers in the Scottish League Cup quarterfinals just a week prior.
The team started their UEFA Europa League campaign with a 3-1 loss to Ferencvaros.
O'Neill is 74 years old and considering his future during the upcoming international break.
Why it matters: The recent defeats have placed immense pressure on O'Neill, a club legend, raising questions about his ability to lead the team effectively.
Celtic is currently at the top of the Scottish Premiership table but has faced criticism for poor performances.
O'Neill's reflections during the international break could determine his future with the club.
The team's disappointing run has sparked debates among fans and pundits about the need for a managerial change.
Driving the news: Celtic's recent results have drawn widespread attention, particularly their 1-0 loss to Rangers in the latest Scottish Premiership derby.
Ryan Naderi scored the decisive goal for Rangers, closing the gap to just two points behind Celtic in the league standings.
The previous week, Celtic was eliminated from the Scottish League Cup after a 3-0 defeat against the same rivals.
O'Neill's side also suffered a 3-1 defeat to Ferencvaros in their Europa League opener, compounding the pressure on the manager.
State of play: O'Neill's position has become increasingly precarious following the poor results.
After the latest defeat, O'Neill admitted he would take time during the international break to evaluate his role and contribution to the team.
He acknowledged that age could be a factor in his ability to lead, stating, "I might be 110 in two years' time, so it might be time to wrap it up."
O'Neill's future will be closely monitored by fans and the club's board in the coming weeks.
The big picture: The current situation at Celtic reflects broader issues within the club, including recruitment and squad management.
The sale of midfielder Arne Engels for £22 million to West Ham without a replacement has left the team with a gap in midfield.
O'Neill has faced criticism for tactical decisions and player performances, which have not met fan expectations.
The upcoming matches in October will be key for both O'Neill and the club's management as they navigate this challenging period.
What they're saying: Reactions from former players and pundits highlight the gravity of the situation.
Neil Lennon, a former Celtic captain, expressed that O'Neill still has the energy to continue but acknowledged the scrutiny he faces.
Former striker Chris Sutton criticized the team's performance, noting a "massive gulf" between Celtic and Rangers in their recent encounters.
O'Neill himself stated, "I’m not immune from criticism. Far from it. Absolutely and utterly far from it," acknowledging the fans' frustrations.
By the numbers: The recent results paint a stark picture of Celtic's struggles.
Celtic has lost three matches in eight days across all competitions.
They sit at the top of the Scottish Premiership table with 18 points, but the pressure is mounting.
Next month, Celtic will face six matches, including a visit to Motherwell on October 11 and a clash with Benfica on October 15.
What's next: The international break provides a moment of pause for O'Neill to assess his future.
Celtic's next match against Motherwell on October 11 will be a litmus test for the team's morale and strategy.
O'Neill plans to take a few days away to think and will likely discuss his findings with the board upon his return.
Fans and analysts alike will follow closely closely to see if O'Neill can turn the team's fortunes around or if a change is imminent.