Celtic play like a 'basketball' team admits Callum McGregor as he nails Parkhead problems in stark verdict

McGregor criticises Celtic's chaotic, end-to-end style as unsustainable, urging the team to regain control and structure under O'Neill.

Celtic captain Callum McGregor has admitted the Scottish champions are playing like a basketball team, with too much end-to-end action and insufficient control. After coming from behind to draw with Dundee United on Wednesday, McGregor highlighted the recurring problem of the side being vulnerable to counter-attacks and lacking a defined tactical shape.

McGregor said the new signings and players operating out of position are contributing to the chaos. "You can get away with it for a few games but if it's a striker playing as a winger, you are going to get that behaviour a lot of the time," he explained. He stressed that while Celtic have the quality to score goals and win matches, the current approach wastes energy and leaves them chasing possession.

The skipper believes the solution lies in returning to the structured, possession-based football that has defined Celtic's dominance over the past decade. He pointed to the second half against Dundee United and the Motherwell game as examples of the team moving in the right direction, but acknowledged there is still a long way to go over a 60-game season.