Chris Sutton, who worked with O’Neill during the manager’s earlier spell at the club, was highly critical of the performance.
“The contest was never close,” he said on Sky Sports. “The difference between the sides was enormous. I cannot recall another Celtic team being so comprehensively beaten by Rangers at Celtic Park.”
“Rangers played as a cohesive unit, while Celtic did not. Rangers always appeared to know where their next pass was going, but Celtic lacked the same understanding. Rangers were superior in every area. Celtic were completely overwhelmed, and that is the major worry.”
“They are facing serious difficulties, some of which they have created themselves. Their midfield has been short of energy and strength, and that has caused problems throughout the season. Callum McGregor is another year older and can no longer cover the ground as effectively as he once did.”
“Martin must find a solution. I greatly admired him as a manager during my time at the club. He may be older now, but I still believe he has the determination needed for the challenge.”
Sutton’s former team-mate Neil Lennon expressed a similar view. He understands O’Neill extremely well and is also familiar with the intense pressure that comes with managing Celtic.
“He is wounded and frustrated by what happened,” Lennon said on Sky Sports. “He will be determined to discover the answers. The break has arrived at a useful moment, giving him an opportunity to recover, spend some time in the sun and reconsider the situation. He still believes he has enough energy for the role.”
“After a week like this, the concern is not simply the losses but the way they occurred. He understands better than anyone that there will now be considerable examination, criticism and self-reflection.”
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