Key Points
- Martin O’Neill vows Celtic “will get ourselves right” following a heavy 3-0 defeat to Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final at Ibrox.
- The Hoops face a crucial turnaround as they prepare to host Ferencvaros in their opening UEFA Europa League fixture before a quickfire Premiership rematch against Rangers.
- O’Neill remains confident that his squad’s body of work over the past 11 months provides a solid foundation to bounce back before the upcoming three-week international break.
- Five of Celtic’s starting line-up experienced an Old Firm derby for the very first time during the Ibrox fixture, which the manager described as an eye-opener.
- Captain Callum McGregor publicly demanded a response, criticising aspects of the team’s display during the domestic cup exit.
Celtic FC (Glasgow Express) September 16, 2026 — Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has issued a defiant message, insisting that his side will quickly recalibrate and put things right after suffering a demoralising 3-0 defeat against arch-rivals Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final at Ibrox. The heavy loss has intensified scrutiny as the Scottish giants prepare for a pivotal week containing both European action and an immediate domestic rematch.
How Is Martin O’Neill Responding to Celtic’s Old Firm Cup Defeat?
Facing intense media scrutiny in the wake of the derby setback, Martin O’Neill addressed the psychological and internal state of his dressing room. As reported by the Irish Examiner, Martin O’Neill noted that every defeat at Celtic tends to be magnified into a major crisis, which is naturally amplified when the reverse happens against Rangers.
When discussing how the squad has handled the setback internally, Martin O’Neill stated that
“our players are disappointed with the performance, we could have done better, I think we accept that, and we just apply ourselves now again for the league fixtures”.
He further emphasized the collective disappointment shared by the players and supporters alike, adding that
“we were disappointed ourselves, we disappointed the fans and now we just have to rise to the occasion”.
What Challenges Lie Ahead in the Europa League and Premiership Rematch?
The calendar offers no time for prolonged mourning as the Hoops pivot immediately toward continental competition. Celtic are scheduled to host Hungarian side Ferencvaros in their Europa League opener before welcoming Rangers back for a William Hill Premiership clash ahead of a three-week international break.
Reflecting on the magnitude of these upcoming fixtures, Martin O’Neill acknowledged the congested schedule, stating that
“we’ve got two matches in which to do so before the break. Two big games for us, Ferencvaros will not be easy, but we’ve done it before, we’ll get ourselves right”.
Furthermore, the manager pointed out that a significant portion of his squad experienced the intensity of an Old Firm fixture for the first time last weekend, noting that
“I think it was an eye opener to some of the newer lads”.
Background of the Development
The recent turbulence at Celtic follows a comprehensive 3-0 defeat at Ibrox that eliminated the holders from the Premier Sports Cup at the quarter-final stage. Under the guidance of Martin O’Neill, who is currently in his second spell at the club, the team has largely enjoyed domestic stability over the past year. However, the nature of the derby loss—characterized by second-best displays across various areas of the pitch and tactical inquiries—brought immediate pressure from supporters and pundits alike. With European commitments running parallel to domestic title defenses, maintaining psychological resilience and squad depth has become a central theme for the club’s coaching staff.
Prediction
This high-stakes sequence of matches is likely to define the immediate trajectory and mood surrounding Celtic’s campaign heading into the international break. A positive response against Ferencvaros in the Europa League followed by a strong performance in the Premiership rematch against Rangers would effectively quiet critics and restore domestic momentum. Conversely, failing to secure positive results in these fixtures could deepen existing anxieties regarding squad configuration and tactical execution, placing additional pressure on the management and senior players to alter their current course.
