When a clearance drops outside the box, the danger has not passed. Someone must challenge for the loose ball, pressure the player receiving it and prevent another attack.

If everyone retreats, opponents can reset while our defenders remain under pressure.

Equally, one midfielder charging forward without cover can create another opening. Celtic need players moving together, with clear responsibilities and enough support to make those decisions work.

That is a coaching issue as much as an individual one.

We previously questioned Celtic’s midfield structure after the Ferencváros defeat. The concern then involved progressing possession. This admission raises the equally important question of how we protect ourselves without it.

McGregor cannot carry the whole argument

Callum McGregor’s positioning deserves scrutiny, just like anyone else’s. But O’Neill’s quoted comments do not name him as the culprit.

That matters.

The manager identified a collective weakness. Supporters can debate individual performances, but we should judge the captain within the instructions, support and shape around him.

Otherwise, we risk reducing a team problem to one familiar name.

O’Neill must establish who steps out, who covers and how Celtic respond when the first challenge fails. Players must then carry out those jobs with urgency.

Recognition must become improvement

O’Neill also remains hopeful about Europe. In comments carried by Celtic Shorts, he maintained that Celtic can recover despite their difficult start.

I want that belief matched by visible improvements.

Supporters do not need another complicated explanation for opponents receiving time near goal. We need to see pressure arriving sooner and teammates covering each other.

The next step is practical: work on the spacing, rehearse the response and demand concentration.

O’Neill has acknowledged the gap. Now Celtic must close it on the pitch.