In the wake of one of the most dramatic 48-hour periods in recent Celtic history, club captain Callum McGregor has become the first player to publicly address Martin O’Neill’s stunning return to Parkhead — and in true leader’s fashion, he hasn’t minced his words.
McGregor’s remarks came less than 24 hours after Celtic confirmed that O’Neill, who led the club through a golden era between 2000 and 2005, would take over on an interim basis following Brendan Rodgers’ abrupt departure earlier this week. Speaking to Sky Sports News at the club’s Lennoxtown training base, McGregor was characteristically calm but firm — making it clear that the players, not the manager, must take responsibility for the club’s recent dip in form.
“We’ve only got ourselves to blame”
“Listen, it’s easy for people to look for excuses when there’s change, but the truth is, we’ve only got ourselves to blame,” McGregor told Sky Sports News.
“The badge doesn’t change. The expectations don’t change. Whoever’s in the dugout, we’ve got a duty to represent Celtic properly. The players have to look at themselves first before we start talking about managers or systems. That’s the reality.”
It was a typically honest assessment from the 31-year-old midfielder, who has been the heart of the Celtic dressing room for nearly a decade. While many expected cautious diplomacy from the captain, McGregor instead opted for directness — setting a no-nonsense tone for what could be a crucial stretch of the season.
A whirlwind 48 hours at Celtic Park
The last two days have been nothing short of chaos at Parkhead. On Monday night, Brendan Rodgers tendered his resignation following weeks of speculation about his future amid links to a potential return to the Premier League. The Celtic board moved swiftly, contacting Martin O’Neill — the legendary boss who led the club to domestic treble glory and a UEFA Cup final appearance in the early 2000s.
By Tuesday morning, O’Neill was back at Lennoxtown, flanked by former player and assistant Shaun Maloney, to take charge of training. O’Neill’s appointment sent shockwaves through Scottish football, prompting nostalgic excitement among supporters but also questions about the long-term plan.
As the club scrambled to stabilize, McGregor’s comments served as the first real insight into the mood inside the dressing room.
“The manager can only do so much — it’s on us”
Pressed on how the squad reacted to O’Neill’s arrival, McGregor’s tone was respectful but grounded:
“Martin’s a legend here. Everyone knows what he did for this club. The lads were buzzing to meet him and there’s a real energy when he’s around. But he’ll tell you himself — the manager can only do so much. It’s on us to go out and deliver.”
McGregor’s message is one of accountability — and it reflects the leadership culture he has built since taking over the armband from Scott Brown in 2021. The midfielder is known inside Celtic Park for setting the standard in training, and those close to the squad say his words this week are not just media talk — they echo what he’s been saying privately to teammates.
“He didn’t hold back” — Reaction from pundits and fans
McGregor’s forthright comments quickly went viral across social media, with fans praising his honesty and leadership.
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton, speaking on Sky Sports’ Scottish Football Podcast, said:
“That’s exactly what you want to hear from your captain. No excuses, no hiding. Callum McGregor’s comments show he understands what Celtic is all about — accountability and standards.”
Meanwhile, Sky Sports pundit James McFadden added:
“When there’s a managerial change, players can sometimes go quiet. McGregor didn’t. He fronted up, and that’s a huge statement to the supporters who might be feeling unsettled.”
On social media, many Celtic fans echoed that sentiment. One supporter wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“That’s why Callum’s the captain. Straight talk, no drama, no blame-shifting. The man bleeds green and white.”
Another added:
“Martin O’Neill coming back feels like destiny — but it’s McGregor who’s keeping this team grounded.”
O’Neill’s return: Nostalgia meets necessity
Martin O’Neill’s interim appointment has reignited memories of his legendary spell between 2000 and 2005, when he led Celtic to seven major trophies, including three league titles and that unforgettable run to the UEFA Cup Final in Seville.
But this comeback is no nostalgia trip. O’Neill himself made clear in his unveiling press conference that he’s “here to steady the ship, not to relive the past.” He told Sky Sports News:
“Celtic is a massive club. The opportunity came suddenly, and I didn’t hesitate. But this is about helping the current group — not about Martin O’Neill of 20 years ago.”
Sources close to the club suggest O’Neill will remain in charge until at least the end of the season while the Celtic board assess long-term options, with names like Kjetil Knutsen and Enzo Maresca linked to the permanent post.
Inside the dressing room: calm amid chaos
Despite the media frenzy surrounding Rodgers’ exit and O’Neill’s dramatic return, insiders describe the Celtic dressing room as “focused and professional.” Much of that composure, they say, comes down to McGregor’s leadership.
One senior staff member told Sky Sports:
“Callum’s been immense. When things like this happen, you need a captain who keeps the noise outside the walls. He’s spoken with the lads, with the staff — made it clear that our standards can’t drop for a second.”
McGregor himself offered a glimpse into that internal focus:
“The outside noise will always be there — that’s part of being at Celtic. But inside, it’s about unity. The fans deserve a reaction on the pitch, not just words.”
What next for Celtic?
Celtic’s immediate task is to stabilize results ahead of a crucial run of fixtures, including a Scottish Premiership clash against Hearts and a Europa League group tie against Fenerbahçe.
O’Neill’s return brings tactical intrigue — will he revert to the 3-5-2 system that defined his first spell, or adapt to the modern pressing style Celtic have built under Rodgers? Either way, McGregor will be at the centre of it, marshalling midfield and acting as O’Neill’s conduit on the pitch.
Former Celtic captain Scott Brown, speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, said he wasn’t surprised by McGregor’s words:
“That’s Cal for you. Straight-talking, professional, always about the team. He’s basically saying: ‘Managers come and go, but the Celtic standards remain.’ That’s what leadership looks like.”
Final word: “It’s about what we do next”
In closing his interview, McGregor offered a message to supporters that summed up the mood around the club:
“We can talk all day about what’s happened — but ultimately, it’s about what we do next. Celtic’s always been about character. We’ve got to show that now, together.”
For Celtic fans, those words will resonate deeply. Martin O’Neill’s return has injected a wave of emotion into the club — but it’s McGregor’s calm, no-nonsense leadership that may prove the most vital ingredient in the weeks ahead.
As the “King of Kings” era icon returns to guide a new generation, it’s fitting that the current captain — himself a product of the Celtic academy and a lifelong supporter — is the one setting the tone.
Because in times of turbulence, Celtic always looks to its leaders. And right now, Callum McGregor is proving exactly why he wears the armband.
