Celtic manager Martin O’Neill confirmed that he shares captain Callum McGregor’s assessment of the team’s recent struggles, but he insisted the club will resolve the problems. The comments came after Celtic’s 2‑2 draw with Dundee United on Wednesday, a match that left the side looking disjointed and lacking the control that usually defines their play.
During a post‑match interview, McGregor likened some of the team’s moments to “a bit basketball,” pointing to the lack of structure and the misplacement of key players. He also highlighted the role of strikers Callum Osmand and Camilo Duran, suggesting that their deployment as wingers rather than centre‑forwards was contributing to the confusion. McGregor’s remarks were echoed by defender Cameron Carter‑Vickers, who described the side as “too random” after the defeat in the Glasgow derby.
When asked about McGregor’s comments before the Sunday fixture against Falkirk, O’Neill initially said he had no idea what the captain had said. Once the context was clarified, the manager admitted he agreed with McGregor’s diagnosis. “I totally agree that Callum Osmand is really a centre forward,” O’Neill said. “I’ve said this at the press conference, that he is essentially a centre forward. He probably would play off somebody strong alongside him, I’m not so sure that he could lead the line on his own. And Camilo Duran is really a centre forward, so the players are getting to know each other. It’s as simple as that, so I’m in total agreement with Callum.” He added that the squad is still adjusting, with many players arriving late for pre‑season, and that improvement will come as more players settle in during the winter.
Despite the criticism, O’Neill remains optimistic about the team’s league position. Celtic sit four points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership and could extend that advantage to seven if they defeat Falkirk. The club’s form in European competition has been less impressive, with three defeats from three Europa League matches, fueling fan unrest and a boycott of some games by the Green Brigade. Nevertheless, O’Neill stressed that the club is “doing fine” and that the squad will improve as the season progresses. The next match against Falkirk will be a chance to demonstrate whether the adjustments made by the manager and the captain can translate into a stronger performance on the pitch.