Celtic captain hits out at 'scared' teammates

Celtic captain hits out at 'scared' teammates,

According to

Sports.

Background

The role of captain Callum McGregor has become even more important after this defeat. He not only has to motivate the team but also maintain unity among the players. Such a defeat in the Champions League can have a deep impact on the mentality of the team, so McGregor needs to show leadership qualities.

Why it matters

Celtic's Champions League defeat not only dashed their hopes but also caused financial losses to the club. Following this defeat, the club will have to relegate to the Europa League, which could affect their Champions League status as a club. Captain Callum McGregor questioned the mentality of the players and said that they should take responsibility for their performance.

Key points

• Celtic captain hits out at 'scared' teammates.
• Celtic captain Callum McGregor blamed the players for the team's embarrassing defeat as they slumped to a 5-1 defeat against LASK after leading 4-0.
• Celtic captain slams ‘scared’ team-mates for humiliating Champions League collapse - Yahoo Sports.

Celtic captain Callum McGregor made no excuses for his team's embarrassing Champions League play-off defeat. He said that the team should take responsibility for its performance. McGregor had already given his team a 4-0 lead against LASK by scoring a goal from 18 yards in the 21st minute of the first half. However, his team then suffered a 5–1 defeat, dashing their Champions League hopes.

"Whatever we did, we got results," McGregor said. "We were very passive throughout the match. The whole time we were afraid of winning and when you are 3-0 up, it is a matter of mentality."

He added, "To be honest, I don't even think about our performance in the first leg. We scored goals at good times and had a bit of luck on it as well. When you are 3-0 up, you think you have a real chance, but when you play like this, you should have no excuses."

McGregor said that the team should apologize to its fans and the club as such a defeat is unacceptable. “We have to stay united, we have to accept it, and now you have to see what kind of characters the team has.”

He also felt that pressure was one of the reasons for this defeat, but he said that when you are 1-0 ahead and still the situation is not stable, there can be no excuses, and it is completely our responsibility.

The defeat marks one of Celtic's consecutive failures to qualify for the Champions League and the slow start to the transfer window has also been subject to criticism. When asked if it could be said that the team was not prepared or strong this time, McGregor paused and said, "I don't think so. Everyone is happy for two or three weeks and then when you lose at a big hurdle, those questions arise."

McGregor admitted that this defeat puts the onus on the players. "You can't suffer a defeat like this by such a huge margin and then start looking for excuses elsewhere. We have to accept that," he said.

Former Celtic manager Martin O'Neill said the defeat was one of his most painful nights. He said, "I would put it before the defeat in the UEFA Cup final in 2003, but it is very disappointing. We should have been much ahead in the first half. We scored a goal, which was fantastic, but then we missed two great chances."

O'Neill said, "We gave them a lifeline right before halftime and then another one after that. And they came back."

He said it was a tough match, and even though it was just a Champions League qualifying match, it felt like the Champions League.

What will happen next

Celtic will now have to try to strengthen their position in the Europa League. After this defeat, the team needs to improve its performance, so that it can perform better in the upcoming matches. McGregor said that the team will have to face this situation unitedly and apologize to its fans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score of the match between Celtic and LASK?

Celtic suffered a 5-1 defeat against LASK.

What impact did this defeat have on the Champions League table?

Due to this defeat, Celtic's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League were dashed.

When is Celtic's next match?

The date of the next match is not mentioned in the article.

What did Callum McGregor say about his team's performance?

He said that the team should take responsibility for its performance and defeat is not acceptable.

What was the main reason for Celtic's defeat?

McGregor said pressure and inaction were the main reasons for the defeat.

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