Paul Lambert has delivered a powerful verdict on Martin O’Neill’s future at Celtic, insisting the club would be wrong to dismiss the veteran manager despite a difficult start to the campaign.
The former Celtic midfielder believes O’Neill still holds significant credit from last season’s remarkable turnaround. Lambert made his views clear while speaking to BBC Sport Scotland.
Pressure has mounted rapidly on the 74-year-old after three consecutive defeats. Those results have included back-to-back Old Firm losses and a Europa League opener setback against Ferencvaros.
Celtic’s Alarming Habit of Bottling Big Occasions
Celtic have developed a worrying pattern of falling short in high-stakes matches this season. The side looks short of ideas when the intensity rises and opponents refuse to give them time on the ball.
The latest run of results has left supporters increasingly anxious. Many now question whether the squad possesses the mentality required to compete at the highest level consistently.
Lambert remains convinced that sacking O’Neill would represent an extreme overreaction. He pointed to the manager’s proven ability to steady the ship when the club needed him most.
Three Straight Defeats Raise Serious Questions
The sequence began with a painful Old Firm reverse that exposed familiar frailties. Celtic struggled to control the midfield and were punished by clinical finishing from their rivals.
That result was followed by another derby defeat, compounding the sense of crisis. Back-to-back losses to Rangers have intensified the scrutiny on both the manager and the playing staff.
The Europa League opener against Ferencvaros offered no respite. Celtic again failed to impose themselves and dropped points in a competition they had targeted for progress.
Lambert: Sacking O’Neill Would Be a Shock
Lambert was unequivocal in his assessment of the situation. He stated that he would be shocked and disappointed if Celtic decided to dismiss the manager at this stage.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if he left,” Lambert told BBC Sport Scotland. “I don’t think he needs it. I’d be shocked and disappointed if Celtic sacked him.”
He added that the club should instead offer O’Neill the choice. If the veteran feels the time is right to step away, that decision should come from him rather than the board.
Credit in the Bank Still Counts for Plenty
Lambert reminded everyone how quickly opinions can shift in football. Not long ago, supporters were calling for a statue in recognition of O’Neill’s achievements.
“He’s got enough credit in the bank. It wasn’t that long ago people were shouting for a statue for him, so I don’t think you can go from one extreme to the other,” he explained.
If O’Neill decides to walk away of his own accord, that is a different matter entirely. Lambert believes the club should respect that possibility and handle the situation with care.
Last Season’s Rescue Act Cannot Be Forgotten
Lambert highlighted the dramatic transformation O’Neill oversaw last term. Celtic were hanging on by a thread before the experienced boss arrived and restored belief.
The manager guided the team to a league and cup double that few thought possible at the time. That success remains fresh in the memory of those who followed the campaign closely.
“There was only one person who could rescue Celtic last season and he did that,” Lambert said. The turnaround was built on organisation, motivation and a clear sense of direction.
Nothing Fundamental Has Changed in O’Neill’s Approach
Lambert is certain that the manager has not altered his methods. The principles that delivered silverware last season remain the foundation of his work at the club.
“I’d bet any money that he hasn’t changed anything from how he was then,” he declared. Consistency of approach is one of O’Neill’s long-standing strengths.
What has shifted is the composition of the squad. Key departures have altered the balance of the team and reduced the options available to the manager.
Personnel Changes Have Weakened the Side
The exits of Arne Engels and Daizen Maeda have left noticeable gaps. Both players contributed energy, quality and important goals during the successful campaign last season.
Even with a couple of improved signings arriving in their place, few objective observers would claim Celtic are stronger overall. The squad lacks the same depth and dynamism in several areas.
These changes have made it harder for O’Neill to replicate last season’s fluency. The new personnel are still adapting to the demands of domestic and European competition.
Tactical Issues Exposed in Recent Matches
In the Old Firm fixtures, Celtic struggled to maintain defensive shape when pressed high. The midfield was frequently overrun, leaving the back line exposed to quick transitions.
Against Ferencvaros, similar problems surfaced. The team lacked a reliable out-ball and found it difficult to build sustained attacks once the opposition settled into their structure.
These recurring issues suggest the current group is still searching for the right balance. O’Neill must find solutions quickly if the pressure is to ease in the coming weeks.
League Standings Add to the Sense of Urgency
Celtic sit in a position that falls short of the standards expected at the club. Early points dropped have allowed rivals to gain ground and increased the intensity of the title race.
Every remaining fixture now carries extra weight. Supporters demand an immediate response and clear evidence that the side can rediscover its winning edge.
The Europa League campaign also requires urgent attention. Progress in Europe remains a priority, yet the opening result has already made qualification from the group more complicated.
Fan Reaction Reflects Growing Frustration
Supporters have voiced their disappointment after each of the recent setbacks. Social media and phone-in shows have been filled with calls for greater urgency and clearer leadership on the pitch.
Many fans still retain affection for O’Neill because of last season’s heroics. Yet that goodwill is being tested by the current run of results and the manner of the performances.
The mood around the club is tense. Lambert’s intervention may provide a moment of perspective, but only improved results will calm the growing unrest.
What Comes Next for O’Neill and Celtic
The immediate fixture list offers little room for error. Celtic must deliver a strong response to restore confidence among the players and the support.
O’Neill retains the backing of those who remember how far the team had fallen before his arrival. Lambert’s comments underline that the manager still possesses significant capital at the club.
Whether that capital is enough will depend on results over the next month. Another poor sequence would make the current debate even more heated.
Lambert’s Message Is Clear and Consistent
Paul Lambert has drawn a firm line. He believes Celtic should not discard a manager who rescued them so recently and still commands respect within the game.
At the same time, he accepts that O’Neill may choose to step aside if he feels the burden has become too great. That decision, in Lambert’s view, should remain with the man himself.
The coming weeks will reveal whether the veteran boss can steady the ship once more. Celtic supporters will be watching closely, hoping the side can rediscover the resilience that defined last season’s success.
For now, Lambert’s intervention serves as a timely reminder. Football memories can be short, but the achievements of last term still carry real weight when assessing Martin O’Neill’s position at Celtic.