Callum McGregor Breaks Silence on Wilfried Nancy Exit
With O’Neill only back in place days earlier, there was limited time for tactical preparation. Yet Celtic quickly slipped into patterns that felt natural. Operating at the heart of midfield, McGregor was well positioned to observe how swiftly the side rediscovered its identity.
The tempo was sharp without ever becoming reckless. Celtic pressed aggressively, moved the ball with purpose and regrouped quickly whenever possession changed hands. That composure ensured the contest was largely played on their terms, limiting any opportunity for the visitors to settle.
For the captain, the significance of the afternoon extended beyond the final score. Having experienced multiple phases of change during his time at the club, McGregor knows how easily progress can stall. The emphasis, he suggested, was on the level of performance rather than the margin of victory.
Speaking on Celtic FC’s YouTube channel, he said:
“That’s exactly what we were looking for. That’s a Celtic team the intensity, the pressing, the speed of play, being aggressive, scoring goals and keeping clean sheets.
“It was a really positive day, but now it’s about recovering, resetting and doing it again.”
He added:
“It felt like we just carried on from where we left off. The period before was really strong the lads were confident, clear in what they were doing.
“We started well, Jan’s goal gave us momentum, and the quality of the football was excellent. The counter-pressing was top level and the game was played mostly in their half. That’s the dominance we’re aiming for, and now we have to keep producing it.”
There was a sense of familiarity about the display, particularly for players who have previously worked under O’Neill. Responsibilities were well defined, and decisions came naturally rather than under pressure. That clarity helped remove any early anxiety from the occasion.
McGregor’s words echoed the feeling within the squad. There was satisfaction in delivering a complete, authoritative showing instead of navigating a scrappy contest. When players believe in the framework around them, confidence tends to return quickly.
Attention now turns to maintaining those standards. Celtic face a demanding run of matches, and consistency will outweigh any single result. One dominant afternoon is encouraging, but repetition is the true measure.
O’Neill’s comeback has not been presented as a radical overhaul. Instead, the focus has been on reinstating principles and habits the squad already recognises. Early signs suggest that message has landed.
As ever, McGregor’s leadership was shown as much through his performance as his post-match assessment. Celtic move on with clarity, knowing the benchmark has been set and that it must now become the norm.
