Scottish Premiership: Celtic chief Michael Nicholson backs manager Martin O’Neill amid fan backlash
Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson has publicly backed Bhoys boss Martin O’Neill amid mounting criticism from supporters.
The Scottish Premiership champions have struggled in recent weeks, losing to eternal rivals Rangers – in both league and cup action – and capitulating at home to Ferencváros in the Europa League.
Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon has since called for a complete reset of the club.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Michael Davey takes a look at what has been said.
Nicholson backs Northern Irishman
In a statement released alongside the club’s financial results, Nicholson said according to the BBC: “Having started well in the Premiership this season, we experienced disappointment in the Champions League play-off [against LASK].
“Reaching the league phase of the Champions League is an objective for us all, and we are sorry not to have achieved it.
“On top of that, the losses in the last week have been painful for us all.
“We will now come together and support Martin and the players as we focus our efforts on achieving success domestically and in the Europa League.”
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O’Neill understands fan criticism
Meanwhile, O’Neill has addressed the growing fan backlash, telling Sky Sports: “I think they’re absolutely entitled.
“And I’m not immune from criticism. Far from it. Absolutely and utterly far from it.
“I think there’s every reason to ask, ‘Can you turn this round? Can you change the whole thing?’
“We are two points clear [in the league table], so I have to kind of look at the bigger picture at this minute.”
Celtic need ‘total reset’
Lennon also gave his thoughts on the turmoil at Celtic Park, saying of O’Neill: “He’s changed formation. He made four changes midweek. He’s trying to find a recipe to get some fluidity.
“Rangers were the far superior team, not just in physical attributes and running power, but football.
“They played all the football. Celtic have a lot to ponder and a lot to work out.”
Asked what the future holds for the Hoops, Lennon added: “They’ve got an international break, which is probably coming at a good time for them.
“I know a lot of them may be away playing for their countries, but there needs to be a total reset because the last three performances in the space of a week have been very poor.”
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