O’Neill agrees with McGregor about Celtic issues
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill says he agrees with captain Callum McGregor’s view that the team have lost some control and their matches can become “a bit basketball”. The comments follow a 2-2 draw with Dundee United and a run of three wins in nine games, as Celtic work to regain their usual composure.
McGregor suggested that using Callum Osmand and Camilo Duran, both centre-forwards, as wingers may be contributing to the problem. O’Neill said the players are still learning to play together, with several having joined late or missed pre-season, and expects improvement over the winter. Celtic remain four points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership and could extend their lead to seven by beating Falkirk.
In short
- O’Neill agrees Celtic need to regain control in matches.
- Two centre-forwards have been playing out wide.
- Celtic lead the league by four points.
Explained simply
Celtic are a Glasgow football club and one of the best-known teams in Scotland. They play in the Scottish Premiership, the country’s top league, where clubs compete over a season to finish highest.
Callum McGregor is Celtic’s captain, a senior player who helps organise the team on the pitch. Martin O’Neill is the manager, responsible for selecting the team and deciding how it plays. Players in different positions, including centre-forwards, may be asked to adapt as the manager tries to get the team working together.
A team’s control often means keeping possession and shaping the pace of a match, while “basketball” is a comparison for play that moves quickly from one end to the other. Celtic’s league position matters because the title is decided by results across the season, and points gained or lost affect their lead over other clubs.