adminCeltic are facing a major period of change after their extraordinary Champions League exit against LASK, with the club now expected to make important decisions over the futures of several players.
The Scottish champions suffered one of the most painful European defeats in their history on Tuesday night, throwing away a four-goal aggregate advantage before eventually losing 5-1 after extra time. Celtic had won the first leg 3-0 and then extended their advantage through captain Callum McGregor, but LASK produced an incredible comeback to win the tie 5-4 on aggregate.
The defeat means Celtic will play in the Europa League rather than the Champions League, while the club also faces a significant financial setback from missing out on the competition’s league phase.
Three Celtic Departures Now Expected
The disappointing European campaign has intensified scrutiny over Celtic’s squad, with attention now turning towards players who may no longer form part of Martin O’Neill’s long-term plans.
Three departures are reportedly being considered as Celtic look to reshape the squad before the transfer window closes.
The club’s Champions League collapse exposed several weaknesses, particularly in midfield, defensive organisation and squad depth. Former Celtic players have also questioned the team’s physicality, leadership and ability to deal with pressure during the defeat in Austria.
Celtic’s recruitment strategy is therefore expected to come under renewed scrutiny, while players who have failed to establish themselves could be allowed to leave.
A Brutal Lesson for Celtic
The scale of the collapse makes the situation particularly significant.
Celtic were 4-0 ahead on aggregate after McGregor’s 21st-minute goal, but Moses Usor, Robert Ljubicic, Samuel Adeniran and Florian Flecker turned the tie around before Adeniran scored the decisive goal in extra time.
Manager Martin O’Neill accepted responsibility for the defeat and admitted the result was among the most painful experiences of his managerial career at Celtic.
The manager now faces the difficult task of rebuilding confidence while deciding which players are capable of helping Celtic compete at a higher European level.
Celtic Must Respond Quickly
With the Champions League opportunity gone, Celtic cannot afford to ignore the weaknesses exposed by the LASK defeat.
The club still has the Europa League to compete for, as well as domestic commitments, but the Austrian collapse has demonstrated that changes may be necessary if Celtic are to avoid another disappointing European campaign.
The expected departures could therefore be only the beginning of a busy period at Parkhead.
For O’Neill, the challenge is now clear: strengthen the squad, remove weaknesses and ensure Celtic learn from one of the most dramatic European collapses in the club’s history.
After surrendering a four-goal advantage, Celtic supporters will be demanding a strong response—and the first signs of that response could come through a significant reshaping of the squad before the transfer window closes.
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