Celtic CEO backs O’Neill despite "painful" week

Martin O'Neill revealed he was going to reflect on his future after three defeats in a week, two of which came against Rangers in the League Cup and Scottish Premiership; Celtic also lost their Europa League opener, less than a month after their Champions League play-off collapse

Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson has backed manager Martin O’Neill despite a "painful" week.

The Parkhead club lost twice to Rangers - in the League Cup quarter-finals and Scottish Premiership - plus at home to Ferencvaros in their Europa League opener.

It follows last month's collapse against LASK in their Champions League play-off , losing the tie on aggregate despite leading 4-0 at one stage.

Following the second of those Old Firm defeats, O'Neill said he was going to reflect on his future and admitted "it might be time to wrap it up".

While Nicholson has admitted "the losses in the last week have been painful for us all", he insists the club "will now come together and support Martin and the players, as we focus our efforts on achieving success domestically and in the Europa League."

O'Neill's return to Celtic last October - 20 years after his first spell as manager - came following the resignation of Brendan Rodgers.

Another spell as interim boss followed weeks later as Wilfried Nancy was sacked after a dismal 33-day tenure.

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Nicholson added that the club "owe a debt of gratitude" to O'Neill and his management team for stepping in twice last season, and says the club were "delighted" he agreed to return on a permanent basis this summer.

The Celtic board have faced criticism from supporters over its recruitment strategy.

Figures in the report reveal £31.7m was spent on the likes of record signing Kasper Hogh, plus Camilo Duran, Mika Baur, Haïssem Hassan and others, with Nicholson adding the club worked with O'Neill over transfers.