Martin O'Neill to Ponder Celtic Future After Third Straight Defeat

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill stated he intends to consider his future with the club following a disappointing week that culminated in a derby defeat to Rangers. This loss marked the third consecutive loss for Celtic, a first during O'Neill's tenure.

The Parkhead club's lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership has been cut to two points after Ryan Naderi's first-half goal secured victory for Rangers. This follows a European capitulation, a 5-1 loss away to LASK, and a previous defeat to Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup.

O'Neill, 74, acknowledged that supporters are entitled to question his ability to turn the team's fortunes around and confirmed he would use the upcoming international break for self-reflection.

"I think they're absolutely entitled to," O'Neill said. "I'm not immune from criticism. Far from it. Absolutely.

"I think they have every reason to ask, can you turn this round? Can you change the whole thing? We are two points clear. I have to look at the bigger picture at this minute.

"I knew that we were in a big, big fight anyway with both ourselves, Rangers and Hearts, who are far from out of anything.

"It's a long season ahead. It's not the first time I've been questioned about my managerial time. So, I'll have a look at it. I will reflect and see."

When asked if he was hopeful that self-reflection would lead to a stronger comeback, O'Neill stated, "I genuinely will reflect and see. It's a matter of whether I can help the team. If that's the case, the manager's supposed to be able to do that. And, yeah, I will have a look at that this week."

He also touched upon his age, humorously remarking, "I think that every single time that something crops up, things don't go so well, age plays a part. And you know what? They may well be right, you know? I'm 110 in two years' time, so, yeah, that might be a time to wrap it up."

O'Neill expressed gratitude for the opportunity to manage Celtic again, having returned in October and then again in January. He recalled the satisfaction of winning the league and highlighted a past game against Hearts as one of the great moments of his managerial career. However, he continues to weigh whether he possesses the necessary energy and desire.

"All the time I was still thinking about whether you can still have the energy, desire, the things that I say to the boys here every Friday that we talk about. So, I'll have a look at that. We'll see."

Regarding his reflection, O'Neill indicated he would review the games and speak with the board, who may also wish to speak with him. He plans to take a short break to clear his head.

O'Neill offered no excuses for the performance, describing it as a tough game for both sides but admitting his team did not create enough opportunities. "I think Kieran (Tierney) hits the bar and within 90 seconds or two minutes later, they score. Maybe we could have got a goal just after half time. But in essence at home, regardless of who you're playing, you should try and create a bit more."

He conceded that questioning his and his coaching staff's credentials is appropriate after a series of significant defeats. "Listen, we've lost some big games. There's no question about it. I personally think every game here is big. We lost a European game on Thursday. We lost the big match out in LASK. And, here, two defeats against us. Of course, you have to question it."