Where are Celtic & O’Neill a year after Rodgers exit?
Martin O’Neill is still managing Celtic a year after Brendan Rodgers resigned, despite the club initially viewing his return as an interim appointment. O’Neill says the role has rejuvenated him, and Celtic’s domestic results have been strong, but doubts remain about performances, European competitiveness and the club’s longer-term direction.
Rodgers left after Celtic fell eight points behind Hearts, having won eight, drawn four and lost four overall early in that season. Under O’Neill, Celtic won the league last season and have lost once in 10 league matches this season, scoring 25 goals and conceding six; his latest win rate is close to 75%. Yet heavy European defeats, a Champions League exit, a poor Europa League start and two losses to Rangers have fuelled criticism, with one supporter describing the club’s progress as “six out of 10”.
In short
- O’Neill remains Celtic manager a year after Rodgers’ resignation.
- Celtic are strong domestically but struggling in Europe.
- Questions persist over the club’s direction and squad depth.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
O’Neill’s continued leadership is defensible because the results at home have been strong: Celtic won the league last season and have made a solid start to this one. His experience and renewed energy may offer stability while the club builds on that form, and a short-term appointment can sensibly continue when it is delivering results.
The case against
Domestic success does not settle whether Celtic are moving in the right direction overall. European defeats, an early Champions League exit, a poor Europa League start and losses to Rangers raise questions about the team’s level and the limits of an interim appointment; critics can reasonably argue that the club needs a clearer long-term plan and a manager equipped to improve its competitiveness.
Explained simply
Celtic are a Glasgow football club and one of Scotland’s most successful teams. Brendan Rodgers was their manager before leaving last season, after a poor run of results left them eight points behind Hearts in the league.
Martin O’Neill returned to take charge, initially as a temporary manager, and stayed on after Celtic won the league. The club has also started this season strongly in domestic matches, but its European results and defeats by local rivals Rangers have raised questions about how well the team is progressing.
The debate is partly about what Celtic should aim for beyond winning at home: competing more consistently in Europe and setting a clear direction for the future. O’Neill says the job has renewed his enthusiasm, while some supporters remain unsure whether the club has made enough progress.