Neil Lennon says Celtic players must take responsibility as worrying trend continues | OneFootball

Neil Lennon has questioned Celtic’s game management and believes the players must take responsibility following another damaging defeat.

Martin O’Neill, Manager of Celtic looks on before during 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)

Martin O’Neill’s side suffered their second loss in five days as Ferencvaros secured a 3-1 victory at Celtic Park in the Europa League.

It followed Sunday’s 3-0 Premier Sports Cup defeat to Rangers at Ibrox, with Celtic now preparing to face their rivals again at Parkhead this weekend.

O’Neill made four changes in an attempt to generate a response, but his former Celtic captain Lennon believes the experienced players within the squad must shoulder much of the responsibility for their recent performances.

Speaking on TNT Sports commentary, Lennon said via Daily Record: “Oh come on. It’s the players. There’s loads of experience out there.

“I think the game management of this team has to be called into question, whether it be LASK away or Rangers away and even tonight at times.

“Whether it be decision making, not taking enough responsibility on and off the ball.

“Of course the manager always gets questions asked but he made four changes tonight to freshen it up and it’s still the same response.”

Former Celtic midfielder Stiliyan Petrov was also asked whether the style currently being produced by the team was coming from O’Neill or assistants Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham.

Petrov, who played under O’Neill during his first spell at the Hoops, insists Celtic’s current approach bears little resemblance to the football he associates with his former manager.

He said: “Well somebody’s doing it. It’s not his style.

“When you lose games, you’re always going to be under pressure. We played under Martin and we’ve seen him in a different light.

“It’s the personnel you have. This is what you have to do.

“It’s too slow at the moment.

“This club has been through difficult times and will go through difficult times. How quick can they come out of it?

“But if you ask me honestly if that’s the style that Martin O’Neill played? Definitely not.”

HAVE YOUR SAY – Join the Celtic conversation in our comments section below…

Celtic Shorts is the new home for the team from The Celtic Star

NEW FROM CELTIC STAR BOOKS…Celtic in the Fifties by Matt Corr, in two volumes, available now…

Celtic in the Fifties by Matt Corr. Both Volumes out now. Order at celticstarbooks.com

Celtic in the Fifties by Matt Corr, in two volumes, both published on 4th September 2026 by Celtic Star Books. Click on image to order.

Quick Tip – Add Celticshorts.com as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you’ll notice the difference straight away! – Click HERE….Hail Hail!

Click to join Celtic Pools