Key Highlights
- Celtic captain Callum McGregor criticizes the team’s recent poor performances.
- The defeat against Dundee was Celtic’s first league loss at Dens Park in 37 years.
- Manager Brendan Rodgers must address defensive issues and player focus to avoid further losses.
- Celtic faces a critical Europa League match on Thursday against Sturm Graz.
The Struggles of Celtic in 2025
Celtic, the Scottish champions, are experiencing a challenging season marked by underwhelming performances. The team’s recent loss to Dundee, their first league defeat at Dens Park in 37 years, has intensified scrutiny on both players and manager Brendan Rodgers.
Callum McGregor’s Candid Critique
In an interview post-match, Celtic captain Callum McGregor offered a stark critique of his team. Speaking via TCW, McGregor admitted that the squad is “too easy to play against” due to repeated defensive lapses and a lack of quality at the top end of the pitch. He emphasized the need for greater determination and unity within the team.
Managerial Adjustments
Brendan Rodgers has experimented with different formations in recent matches, including changing from his usual 4-3-3 to a bizarre version of 3-5-2 against Sporting Braga and Dundee. However, these tactical shifts have not yielded the desired results. Rodgers acknowledges the challenges posed by tight pitches like Tynecastle, where he has seen the home advantage play a significant role.
Upcoming Challenges
The Celtic manager faces crucial games in both domestic and European competitions. Thursday’s Europa League match against Sturm Graz is a must-win for Rodgers if he aims to keep his team in the tournament. The Scottish Premiership clash with Hearts on Sunday presents another critical opportunity, as McGregor believes it could be an ideal scenario to frustrate their opponents.
Analysis of Celtic’s Recent Performance
The issues troubling Celtic extend beyond this season’s performances. Since August 2025, the team has struggled with persistent defensive flaws and a lack of quality in key positions. This decline has led to mounting frustration within the squad, as McGregor’s remarks suggest.
Future Outlook
The upcoming matches against Sturm Graz and Hearts will be crucial for Celtic to regain their form and prevent further losses. Rodgers must address these issues quickly if he wants to avoid Europe becoming a casualty of this summer’s boardroom changes at the club.
Celtic fans and experts alike are watching closely as the team navigates these challenges in the coming weeks, with the hope that the manager can restore the squad’s morale and performance levels before it is too late.
