Martin O'Neill faces three major challenges at Celtic in 2026

Celtic appoint Martin O'Neill as permanent manager after securing a domestic double under his interim leadership.

Managerial appointment confirmed More than five months after Wilfried Nancy was dismissed, Celtic supporters received official confirmation of their new permanent manager. The club turned to the man who stabilized the team not once but twice during the previous season, leading them to victory in both the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup. Martin O'Neill reinforced his legendary status at Parkhead by completing a turbulent campaign with a league title and cup triumph. Now, at 74 years old, he faces expectations to build on this success during his first full season in charge. ## Style of play needs refinement A season marked by managerial changes, interim returns from O'Neill, and fan unrest became defined by survival rather than style. Despite unconvincing displays, Celtic ultimately triumphed, securing the double with a nine-match winning streak. Fans may overlook earlier struggles when recalling the decisive late goals that sealed the league title against Hearts. For the upcoming term, supporters will demand more convincing performances. O'Neill and his coaching team will need a full pre-season with the squad, alongside addressing a widely criticized transfer strategy. Improving recruitment extends beyond the manager, as multiple transfer windows have yielded underwhelming signings. Several players are rumored to be leaving, including Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels, and Reo Hatate. ## European ambitions take center stage As the World Cup concludes, the new domestic season approaches, with the Premiership set to kick off on 1 August. Just two days later, Celtic will learn their Champions League play-off opponents. The two-legged tie determining next season's European elite participation will conclude before the month ends. A demoralizing defeat at this stage last year against Kairat Almaty preceded Brendan Rodgers' resignation. O'Neill's earlier tenure at Celtic in the early 2000s was defined by European overachievement, highlighted by a 2003 UEFA Cup final appearance. Signs of his European pedigree resurfaced with a Europa League win at Feyenoord and a resilient draw with ten men at Bologna, though the campaign ended prematurely with a 4-1 home loss to Stuttgart in the first knockout round. Improving on that performance remains a priority, with Champions League qualification bringing significant financial rewards. ## Uncertainty surrounds O'Neill's future Many supporters viewed O'Neill as the safest choice following his two interim spells last season. However, doubts persist over whether the club's leadership will use the one-year security period to implement long-term planning. There is an option to extend O'Neill's contract by an additional year if results justify it and he agrees, though the 74-year-old has acknowledged that managing is becoming increasingly difficult. The coming year presents an opportunity for Celtic to organize their future while maintaining domestic dominance and progressing in Europe. Fans, many of whom have protested against the club's hierarchy throughout the past year, will need to witness tangible progress to foster a cohesive atmosphere for the new season.