Baffling Celtic decisions questioned by pundit | OneFootball

Baffling Celtic decisions questioned by pundit | OneFootball

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·26 September 2026

Baffling Celtic decisions questioned by pundit

Article image:Baffling Celtic decisions questioned by pundit

Clyde 1 Superscoreboard pundit Gordon Dalziel has been left baffled by some of Celtic’s decision making in recent weeks, in particular the 1-0 home loss to The Rangers last Sunday…

Article image:Baffling Celtic decisions questioned by pundit

Ryan Naderi of the Rangers celebrates scoring the only goal of the game during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and the Rangers at Celtic Park on September 20, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

That defeat was the second loss to our bitter rivals in the space of seven days, as well as a home defeat by Ferencvaros sandwiched in between.


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The Celtic Park defeat to the Ibrox side saw a radical overhaul of the sides shape and formation, and one that Martin O’Neill was forced to alter at the interval such was the lack of impetus from the players who looked totally lost.

Kasper Hogh was introduced to proceedings to give us a bigger goal threat, with Camilo Duran again being moved from his favoured role to a more wide position.

Celtic also finished the game with a number of wingers on the field, with James Forrest playing a more unfamiliar ‘number 10’ role.

Article image:Baffling Celtic decisions questioned by pundit

13th September 2026; Ibrox, Scottish League Cup Football, Rangers versus Celtic; Camilo Duran of Celtic and Nicolas Raskin of Rangers on the ball. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Dalziel like the rest of us were baffled by the moves, feeling Camilo Durán should have stayed more central to partner Kasper Hogh in a bid to breach the Ibrox defence.

Article image:Baffling Celtic decisions questioned by pundit

Kasper Hogh of Celtic applauds fans after the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Celtic FC and Ferencvarosi TC at Celtic Park on September 17, 2026 . (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“Some of the decisions over the last couple of weeks have been absolutely baffling. They’ve been absolutely baffling for me,” he said speaking on Clyde One Superscoreboard.

“The one thing I couldn’t understand was everybody was crying for the two centre-forwards to play together as two strikers. On Sunday afternoon at half-time, he had the perfect opportunity with the players on the pitch, the shape that he had to go with his two strikers.

Article image:Baffling Celtic decisions questioned by pundit

13th September 2026; Ibrox, Scottish League Cup Football, Rangers versus Celtic; James Forrest of Celtic puts the ball in. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

“And James Forrest comes on and plays as a number 10. That baffled the life out of me. That’s what I couldn’t get.”

You’re not alone Gordon, everyone can see that our tactics aren’t working, apart from those whose job it is to implement them.

Article image:Baffling Celtic decisions questioned by pundit

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill looks on during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and the Rangers at Celtic Park on September 20, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

There’s little to no chance of Martin O’Neill – if he stays on – repeating those makes again, whether they were his own or the ideas from his coaching staff.

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