Chris Sutton snaps back at Callum McGregor and calls for Celtic changes
Chris Sutton has rubbished Callum McGregor's suggestion that Martin O'Neill's most successful run as Celtic boss involved a 'more direct' playing style. O'Neill is currently struggling to turn things around at Parkhead, losing a second successive Old Firm on Sunday.
Celtic were flat again, losing their third straight game overall, barely mustering up a chance after another miserable display that left fans present inside Celtic Park booing.
After the game, former Celtic striker Sutton took exception to comments made before the game by Celtic captain Mcgregor, ,who suggested there is a big difference between the playing styles employed by O'Neill's successful team in the early 2000s and now.
Sutton responded on X: "Callum McGregor’s take pre game that Martin’s team 25 years ago were more direct missed the point and was wrong . We could adapt and adjust and work things out. We had a blend of physicality and creativity. Today’s team had neither and couldn’t adapt. That’s the difference."
The bigger problem is that Celtic don't appear to have any clear playing style at all currently. They are neither able to play through Camilo Duran or play to Kasper Hogh to hold the ball up. There is no consistency to how the Bhoys are going about their business, and they are not able to consistently cause problems against good teams.
Speaking about the game in general, Sutton also posted: "Celtic lucky to lose 1-0. Top of the league still but very worrying. Celtic looked like a team thrown together. Very lightweight, no physicality in the middle of the park but we knew that. Rangers knew their next pass, Celtic didn’t… every proper test this season miles off it."
He added amid complaints about O'Neill and the apparent lack of preparation: "That’s fine but any management team taking over a midfield which has no legs, running power and physicality will struggle against a half decent team. Maybe change the recruitment team first…"
That point is absolutely valid, with Celtic having prepared poorly for this season. And there is no decision more impactful than the one to decide against paying what it took to sign an Arne Engels replacement.
The Hoops lost their most important player, earned £22million by doing so, and decided not to sign a replacement. Whatever reason Celtic had for not signing one is not a good enough reason, and it has left O'Neill's midfield looking as reliable as a paper bag in the rain.
