Frankfurt/Main, Hessen, Deutschland, 22.10.2025: Waldstadion/Deutsche Bank Park: UEFA Champions League 2025/26: Eintracht Frankfurt - FC Liverpool: Ibrahima Konaté 05, FC Liverpool *** Frankfurt Main, Hesse, Germany, 22 10 2025 Waldstadion Deutsche Bank Park UEFA Champions League 2025 26 Eintracht Frankfurt FC Liverpool Ibrahima Konaté 05, Liverpool FC Copyright: xdtsxNachrichtenagenturx dts_90920
Celtic captain Callum McGregor has spoken out sharply against his team’s performances in Europe, describing the attitude of some players as “scared” during Champions League fixtures.
The skipper’s comments came following a disappointing run in the competition, with Celtic failing to meet the standards expected of them on the continental stage.
McGregor, who has been one of the club’s most consistent performers for several years, was reportedly furious with the showing of his teammates in key European matches.
Sources close to the club indicated that a player lockdown was enforced in the wake of the poor performances, with the details of that meeting subsequently leaking to the press.
The closed-door session is understood to have been tense, with McGregor making clear his frustration at the level of performance being produced by the squad collectively.
Celtic have long harboured ambitions of making a genuine impression in the Champions League, but their results in the group stage have frequently fallen well short of expectations.
The word “scared” cuts to the heart of the criticism, suggesting a mental and psychological failing rather than simply a tactical or technical one from the players involved.
McGregor has built a reputation as a demanding and vocal leader at Celtic Park, and those inside the club say he holds his teammates to exceptionally high standards.
The fact that details of the internal meeting emerged publicly suggests there is some level of tension within the squad regarding how the situation has been handled by players and staff.
Celtic supporters will be watching closely to see how the squad responds to their captain’s challenge, with the club’s pride in European competition always a significant talking point among the fanbase.
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