Celtic’s season has taken one other damaging flip after Martin O’Neill’s aspect have been overwhelmed 4-1 by Benfica in Lisbon on Thursday night time.
The Hoops have been three targets down earlier than half-time on the Estadio da Luz. Jhon Duran struck twice, together with an early penalty, whereas Alexander Bah additionally discovered the online as Celtic’s defensive form fell aside towards a ruthless house aspect.
There was at the very least a response after the break.
Camilo Duran headed house for Celtic and the guests hit the woodwork thrice throughout their greatest spell of the sport. Nevertheless, Vangelis Pavlidis added Benfica’s fourth late on to depart Celtic with no level after two Europa League matches.
O’Neill tried to take encouragement from the second-half enchancment, however the remaining rating has positioned his place again below the highlight.
The skilled supervisor has already endured a troublesome few weeks on and off the pitch.
|
Match stat |
Benfica |
Celtic |
|---|---|---|
|
Rating |
4 |
1 |
|
Possession |
53% |
47% |
|
Whole photographs |
26 |
14 |
|
Pictures heading in the right direction |
7 |
7 |
|
Anticipated targets (xG) |
2.74 |
1.30 |
|
Massive probabilities created |
2 |
2 |
|
Corners |
8 |
6 |
|
Correct passes |
526 (91%) |
455 (89%) |
|
Duels gained |
36 |
41 |
|
Saves |
6 |
3 |
|
Fouls dedicated |
9 |
7 |
Celtic have been overwhelmed 3-0 by Rangers within the League Cup earlier than dropping 3-1 towards Ferencvaros. A second Previous Agency defeat adopted at Celtic Park, with Rangers successful 1-0 and leaving O’Neill to think about his future through the worldwide break.
The two-0 victory at Motherwell briefly calmed the state of affairs and returned Celtic to the highest of the Premiership, yet one more painful European night time has rapidly introduced the frustration again.
Supporters have questioned the summer time switch enterprise, the mixing of recent signings and O’Neill’s tactical choices.
Celtic should still lead Rangers by two factors within the league, however their repeated struggles towards stronger opposition have created an uncomfortable temper across the membership.
Sunday’s assembly with Hearts at Parkhead has change into much more essential, and one other poor show would enhance the anger earlier than Celtic face Celta Vigo.
Consideration is now starting to show in direction of who may ultimately substitute O’Neill.
Celtic take into account David Moyes as Martin O’Neill successor after Benfica humiliation
Pete O’Rourke reviews for Soccer Insider that Celtic are contemplating Everton supervisor David Moyes as a candidate to take cost subsequent summer time.
O’Neill’s contract is because of expire on the finish of the season, and he’s at the moment anticipated to depart at that stage, even when he survives the quick stress.
Moyes can be approaching the ultimate months of his Everton deal, doubtlessly permitting Celtic to nominate him with out paying compensation.
No choice has been made and there’s no suggestion that his arrival is shut, however his identify is being mentioned inside Celtic.
The ‘underrated‘ 63-year-old already has a reference to Celtic after representing the membership as a participant, and he would additionally arrive with a superb managerial CV from spells with Everton, West Ham, Man United, Actual Sociedad and Sunderland.
His work since returning to Everton has strengthened his fame once more.
Moyes has introduced larger organisation and resilience to the Merseyside membership, qualities Celtic might really feel are wanted after their latest defensive issues.
Convincing him to depart the Premier League would nonetheless be a significant problem. Everton may supply him one other contract, whereas different vacancies might emerge earlier than the summer time.
For now, Celtic are contemplating their choices moderately than making ready a right away change, and O’Neill nonetheless has time to rescue the European marketing campaign and preserve management of the title race.
