I’VE LET THE TEAM DOWN” — Martin O’Neill Breaks His Silence With Emotional Admission That Has Left Celtic Fans STUNNED

Gordon Dalziel has questioned several of Martin O’Neill’s recent tactical calls at Celtic, admitting some of the manager’s decisions have left him completely puzzled.

The Clyde 1 Superscoreboard pundit was speaking after Celtic’s defeat to Rangers, with O’Neill’s team coming under scrutiny following another difficult performance against their city rivals.

Martin O’Neill as Celtic boss

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill reacts on the touchline during the William Hill Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Sunday September 20, 2026.

Dalziel was clear that his criticism was not aimed at O’Neill’s overall standing at Celtic, pointing to the double delivered last season and the fact the Hoops remain two points clear at the top of the Premiership.

However, he believes some of the decisions made in recent weeks have been difficult to understand.

“Some of the decisions over the last couple of weeks have been absolutely baffling.

“They’ve been absolutely baffling for me.”

Dalziel then highlighted Celtic’s attacking setup against Rangers as one example.

He felt O’Neill had an opportunity to play with two recognised strikers after half-time but instead went in a different direction.

“The one thing I couldn’t understand was everybody was crying for the two centre-forwards to play together as two strikers.”

He added: “On a Sunday afternoon at half-time, he had the perfect opportunity with the players on the pitch, the shape that he had to go with his two strikers.”

Dalziel was particularly surprised by James Forrest’s position after the experienced winger was introduced.

“And James Forrest comes on and plays as a number 10. That baffled the life out of me.

“That’s what I couldn’t get.”

Martin O’Neill Celtic Decision Branded ‘Absolutely Baffling’

13th September 2026; Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish League Cup Football, Rangers versus Celtic; James Forrest of Celtic puts the ball in

The wider discussion on Superscoreboard also centred on Celtic’s lack of control through midfield and the way Rangers were able to attack them in transition.

Marvin Bartley argued that Celtic’s defensive problems are being made worse by a lack of protection in front of the back four, while Dalziel also expressed concern about the balance through the middle of the pitch.

O’Neill now has the international break to work with his coaching staff before Celtic return to Premiership action away to Motherwell at Fir Park.