Celtic deficiencies laid bare on another night of Champions League pain
When Callum McGregor eviscerated his own team-mates in the wake of Celtic's stupefying Champions League collapse against LASK, he delivered their one coherent moment of a spineless night, writes Tom English.
Celtic's Champions League collapse against LASK exposed the team's vulnerabilities and inability to handle pressure. Captain Callum McGregor's frustration after the loss was palpable, as he criticized his teammates for being "passive" and "scared" during the match. The defeat marked another dark night in a long list of disappointments for the experienced Celtic defender, who has been a key player for the club for nearly a decade.
Despite his club's numerous trophies, Celtic has also endured many embarrassments and soul-searching moments over the years. The 4-0 disadvantage only amplified the team's failure, as they struggled to handle LASK's physicality and determination. O'Neill, the manager, acknowledged his role in the loss and blamed the team's panic and inability to maintain their lead.
The defeat resulted in Celtic missing the next round of the Champions League, and the team's performance was far from impressive, with only one shot on target in the second half and extra-time. The loss highlighted the need for improvements in several areas, including the selection of a left-back to back up Kieran Tierney and the development of a physical presence in midfield.
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