Paul Lambert backs former mentor to turn things around at Celtic

Former Celtic captain Paul Lambert has backed his former mentor Martin O'Neill to turn things around at the hoops in the midst of the recent downturn in fortunes at the club…

IMAGO/Sven Simon. Paul Lambert (vorn) und Stefan Reuter (beide BVB) laufen mit dem Pokal eine Ehrenrunde nach dem Champions League Sieg 1996/1997

Champions League winner Paul Lambert has come out in defence of Martin O'Neill, saying that the veteran Irishman will be hurt by recent criticism in wake of three consecutive losses, which included two against Celtic's most bitter rivals, but never believed for one minute that his job was on the line.

"I think he would have been hurt by the level of criticism," Lambert told BBC Scotland . "You can lose three games in a week, but I think it's just the manner, the way it happened.

"I never thought he would leave. I didn't think the club would sack him but he knows he's not immune from criticism. I think the decision for him, if he wanted to walk away, would be with himself. But it's good that he's staying on because you know what you're getting.

Martin O'Neill speaking to Celtic Player. Screenshot via social media

"I'm pretty sure he won't take what's happened in the last few weeks lying down. Knowing the manager, he's not one to go lightly. He'll try and do everything he can to rectify it. And hopefully the team bounce back when they play Motherwell at the weekend," the former Celtic captain said.

Paul Lambert insisted that the Celtic players must offer more to get their season back on track, as the mini-slump was NOT just down to the manager. The players on the pitch have to shoulder their own share of the blame and also the responsibility of putting things right.

Mika Baur of Celtic celebrates scoring his team's first goal with Camilo Duran during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Celtic FC and Ferencvarosi TC at Celtic Park on September 17, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

"They have to step up," Lambert added. "In the two Rangers games and the European game, they looked a little bit flat and jaded. But I think the rest might have done them good. Players will have looked at themselves and asked, 'am I doing enough?' I think that's what Celtic need.

"They need the characters to come through and actually start to put markers on teams again. You can lose a game and people are coming for you. But they're still at the top of the table, which is good from Celtic's perspective."

Camilo Duran of Celtic celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League play-offs first leg match between Celtic and LASK at Celtic Park on August 19, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Of course by the time Celtic kick-off against Motherwell at noon on Sunday, the Rangers could top the table by a point for they can beat Neil McCann's Kilmarnock side at Ibrox. It's a match most folk will expect Derek McInnes' side to win so Celtic will need to respond appropriately at Fir Park .

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