Celtic’s 2025/26 season unfolded as one of the most turbulent and emotionally draining campaigns in the club’s recent history, ending with a domestic double.
The season began with cautious optimism surrounding Kieran Tierney’s return to the club, a move that carried genuine romance and deep emotional significance for supporters.
Beneath the surface, however, warning signs appeared early. Key departures including Nicolas Kuhn and Greg Taylor left the squad looking thin, with recruitment arriving in fragments rather than as a coherent strategy.
Pre-season results painted a contradictory picture. Wins over Sporting CP and Newcastle suggested quality remained, but defeats to Estrela da Amadora and Ajax exposed real uncertainty within the squad.
August brought domestic stability alongside European disaster. Celtic progressed comfortably in cup competition domestically but suffered a humiliating penalty shootout elimination against Kairat Almaty in Europe.
That European exit changed the entire mood of the season. The defeat felt self-inflicted to supporters, who directed their frustration squarely at the club’s recruitment strategy and planning failures.
October deepened the crisis significantly. A defeat at Tynecastle left Celtic looking vulnerable in the title race, and Dermot Desmond’s public statement exposed the fractured relationship between manager Brendan Rodgers and the club’s hierarchy.
Martin O’Neill returned to the club in an emergency capacity, steadying the ship through November with a League Cup semi-final win over Rangers and a creditable away victory against Feyenoord in Rotterdam.
December then dismantled the fragile stability O’Neill had rebuilt. Wilfried Nancy arrived with an attacking philosophy but walked into a dressing room already emotionally fragile, and results collapsed almost immediately.
Hearts won at Celtic Park. Roma defeated Celtic heavily. St Mirren lifted the Premiership Sports Cup. Peter Lawwell stepped down, citing abuse and threats from supporters, deepening the institutional turmoil further.
The criticism directed at Celtic goes beyond domestic competition. Their European performances raised serious questions, particularly a 3-1 defeat to Midtjylland that observers said flattered the Scottish side heavily.
Celtic’s elimination from European competition by a relegation-threatened English side that had already dismissed two managers, including former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou, compounded the sense of underachievement on the continental stage.
The double itself carries an asterisk in the minds of many supporters. Critics argue that the weakness of Scottish Premiership opposition, rather than genuine quality, drove Celtic across the finish line.
As the club prepares for Champions League qualifying, serious questions remain about whether domestic success translates into the European readiness Celtic’s supporters and ambitions demand of the squad.
About the Author
