Celtic’s recent victory over Falkirk has sparked a bold declaration from Callum McGregor: ‘The mentality is back’ under Martin O’Neill’s leadership. But here’s where it gets intriguing—while the win wasn’t exactly a highlight reel of fluid football, it showcased a resilience that’s been missing. O’Neill’s side leaned heavily on their defense and goalkeeper, grinding out a 1-0 win with a clean sheet—a feat that eluded them under Wilfried Nancy’s tenure. And this is the part most people miss: both wins since O’Neill’s return have come with clean sheets, a stark contrast to Nancy’s eight-game run without one. Is this a coincidence, or a sign of deeper tactical shifts?
Benjamin Nygren’s first-half header proved decisive, securing the three points for Celtic, but the performance raised questions. Would this gritty win have been possible under Nancy’s management? It’s a divisive question that’s sure to spark debate. Meanwhile, Callum McGregor, who seemed muted under Nancy, has reemerged as a vocal leader under O’Neill. His return to a familiar midfield role—anchoring the base with two advanced midfielders ahead—has clearly reignited his confidence. But is this just a temporary bounce, or a sustainable revival?
Speaking to Premier Sports post-match, McGregor acknowledged the challenges: ‘You’ve got to win these games, especially midweek fixtures on artificial turf in less-than-ideal weather. Falkirk tested us—they made us work, exposed our organization, and we knew it wouldn’t be easy.’ He emphasized the importance of such wins, calling them ‘big’ in the context of a grueling season. Yet, he didn’t shy away from critiquing the performance: ‘We’ve got to perform a lot better to consistently win games.’
McGregor’s praise for O’Neill was effusive, highlighting the manager’s experience and the ‘huge bounce’ he’s brought to the squad. ‘It’s a big team effort,’ he noted, crediting the entire coaching staff, including Shaun Maloney and John ‘Fozzy’ Fotheringham, who affectionately calls McGregor ‘The Maestro.’ But here’s the controversial bit: Can O’Neill sustain this momentum, or will old habits resurface?
This season has been chaotic for McGregor, marked by managerial changes and tactical experiments. From scoring in Brendan Rodgers’ final game to netting crucial goals during O’Neill’s first interim spell, McGregor has been a constant. Yet, his role under Nancy often left him exposed, particularly with the unorthodox back-three system. Now, back in familiar territory, McGregor seems rejuvenated. But what does this mean for Celtic’s long-term strategy? And could McGregor ever see himself leaving the club?
As the season unfolds, one thing is clear: Celtic’s fortunes are tied to McGregor’s form and O’Neill’s leadership. Do you think this partnership can deliver sustained success, or is it just a temporary fix? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
