A Lesson from Midtjylland
On Sunday, Martin O’Neill was focused on steering clear of mistakes, but by Thursday, he took on the role of educator as Celtic faced a formidable Midtjylland. The Celtic interim boss appeared visibly frustrated on the sidelines during the match in Denmark, where the home team delivered a clear message to the Scottish champions, overcoming them with ease.
While the final score settled at two goals, O’Neill reflected that it “could have been any score” against the squad leading the Europa League standings. Celtic found themselves struggling after conceding three goals in a mere eight minutes during a frenetic first half.
Despite the 3-0 scoreline, the home side recorded an impressive nine shots on target, indicating a potent offensive display that left Celtic scrambling. The defeat served as a hard reminder for the Glasgow club, as O’Neill had momentarily quelled other ongoing issues within the team.
Addressing the aftermath of his first loss since returning, O’Neill lamented the poor defending that allowed goals to slip through.
I’m trying to teach them how to quickly grasp the game,
he stated, encapsulating the work that still lies ahead.
O’Neill’s Perspective on the Match
Reflecting on a previous encounter against Midtjylland that he had observed, O’Neill acknowledged the team’s capabilities, preparing his squad for a challenging match. However, his players failed to internally process the lessons learned.
Midtjylland’s Mikel Kruger-Johnsen scored an outstanding second goal, but the earlier efforts were still avoidable. Celtic’s defense faltered, failing to contain straightforward plays that led to goals. Following the match, O’Neill stressed the necessity of stopping wingers before they enter the penalty area, a fundamental aspect of defense that his players overlooked.
The second goal, we allowed an attacker to come inside and score easily. We simply didn’t defend well,
O’Neill stated, highlighting the implications of their defensive lapses. He emphasized the need for a dedicated mentality in addition to skill, as these components are crucial to compete at the highest levels.
Ongoing Challenges for Celtic
Questions loom regarding the timeline for O’Neill to effectively address and improve Celtic’s standing. While his return has rekindled enthusiasm among fans and players alike, cracks in the foundation have started to show.
Celtic captain Callum McGregor expressed the necessity to maintain perspective, acknowledging that a spirited performance in one match does not equate to overall resolution of the team’s challenges. Despite a recent triumph against Rangers, the defeat in Denmark highlighted areas that still demand attention.
Faced with such a skilled team, we see the path forward for our growth. We are aware of our current position and our aspirations,
McGregor said.
As the team grapples with these issues, the heat isn’t solely on the interim manager or the squad. The club’s board, who momentarily escaped scrutiny from fans, will soon feel the mounting pressure to resolve the longstanding challenges facing this storied football institution.
