Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson has publicly backed Bhoys boss Martin O’Neill amid growing criticism from supporters.
The Scottish Premiership champions have struggled in recent weeks. They lost to Rangers in both league and cup action.
Celtic also suffered a heavy home defeat against Ferencváros in the Europa League.
Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon has called for a complete reset at the club.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Michael Davey looks at the latest comments.
Nicholson backs Northern Irishman
Nicholson backed O’Neill in a statement released with Celtic’s financial results.
The Celtic chief admitted that the club had suffered several disappointing results.
He also highlighted the failure to reach the Champions League league phase.
Nicholson said, according to the BBC:
“Having started well in the Premiership this season, we experienced disappointment in the Champions League play-off [against LASK].
“Reaching the league phase of the Champions League is an objective for us all, and we are sorry not to have achieved it.
“On top of that, the losses in the last week have been painful for us all.
“We will now come together and support Martin and the players as we focus our efforts on achieving success domestically and in the Europa League.”
O’Neill understands fan criticism
O’Neill also addressed the growing criticism from Celtic supporters.
The manager accepted that fans have every right to question his work.
He also admitted that Celtic must find a way to improve their performances.
Speaking to Sky Sports, O’Neill said:
“I think they’re absolutely entitled.
“And I’m not immune from criticism. Far from it. Absolutely and utterly far from it.
“I think there’s every reason to ask, ‘Can you turn this round? Can you change the whole thing?’
“We are two points clear [in the league table], so I have to kind of look at the bigger picture at this minute.”
Celtic need ‘total reset’
Lennon also gave his thoughts on the turmoil at Celtic Park, saying of O’Neill: “He’s changed formation. He made four changes midweek. He’s trying to find a recipe to get some fluidity.
“Rangers were the far superior team, not just in physical attributes and running power, but football.
“They played all the football. Celtic have a lot to ponder and a lot to work out.”
Asked what the future holds for the Hoops, Lennon added: “They’ve got an international break, which is probably coming at a good time for them.
“I know a lot of them may be away playing for their countries, but there needs to be a total reset because the last three performances in the space of a week have been very poor.”
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