Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has been left facing difficult questions after his side suffered a damaging 4-1 defeat against Benfica in Lisbon, with former Celtic striker Chris Sutton also delivering a fierce assessment of the club’s European struggles.
The headline suggests that Daizen Maeda’s interview comments have become a major source of tension, but there is no verified evidence that O’Neill launched a furious attack on the Japanese forward. Maeda had also completed a reported £10 million move to Ipswich Town earlier in 2026, making any suggestion of a current dressing-room confrontation particularly important to verify. Read Daizen Maeda’s emotional farewell message
Nevertheless, Celtic’s latest European disappointment has created an atmosphere in which every comment, decision and individual performance is being closely examined.
A disastrous first half against Benfica
Celtic’s problems began almost immediately in Lisbon. Jhon Durán converted an early penalty before Alexander Bah doubled Benfica’s advantage. Durán scored again before half-time, leaving O’Neill’s side facing an enormous challenge after conceding three goals in the opening period.
The Scottish side struggled to contain Benfica’s attacking movement and looked vulnerable whenever the hosts moved forward with pace.
Supporters were particularly frustrated by the defensive mistakes that allowed Benfica to establish such a commanding lead. For a club with Celtic’s history and ambitions, another disappointing European night raised serious questions about whether the squad possesses the consistency required at this level.
The second half, however, offered a little encouragement.
Camilo Durán pulled a goal back for Celtic, and the visitors created further opportunities as their substitutes brought greater energy to the attack. Benfica eventually scored a fourth goal through Vangelis Pavlidis, ending any realistic hopes of a comeback.
Fo
rmer Celtic stars add to the debate
Former Celtic players have not held back in their assessments of the club’s European performances.
Chris Sutton described Celtic as “flat-track bullies” in his criticism following the Benfica defeat, questioning their ability to compete against stronger opposition.
The Scottish Sun
Such criticism is likely to resonate with supporters who expect Celtic to demonstrate greater resilience on the European stage.
However, criticism of the team should not automatically be interpreted as a personal attack on an individual player. Without a verified interview containing Maeda’s alleged comments, it would be unfair to attribute particular statements to him or claim that O’Neill responded angrily.
The wider debate remains clear: Celtic must find a way to turn domestic strength into more convincing European performances.
O’Neill demands a response
O’Neill has attempted to draw positives from the second-half display, insisting that his team showed enough attacking quality to give him hope for the remainder of the Europa League campaign. He also praised the impact of his substitutes.
Yet encouragement alone will not solve Celtic’s problems. The manager must address the defensive errors, improve the team’s organisation and ensure that his players approach difficult away fixtures with greater concentration.
The upcoming domestic matches will provide an opportunity to respond, but the pressure surrounding the club is unlikely to disappear until Celtic produce more convincing results in Europe.
For the supporters, the priority is simple: they want accountability, improved performances and evidence that the club can compete against quality opposition.
Whether Maeda’s alleged interview comments have any genuine connection to the controversy remains unconfirmed. What is certain is that Celtic’s 4-1 defeat to Benfica has intensified scrutiny of the team and placed renewed attention on the decisions that must be made if the Scottish giants are to recover their European standing.