Celtic's recent Champions League exit marks another chapter in their ongoing struggle for qualification. After leading LASK 4-0, they astonishingly succumbed to a 5-4 aggregate defeat, leaving fans and analysts questioning the club's readiness for crucial matches.

Manager Martin O'Neill took full responsibility for the collapse, but the blame extends beyond one individual. Key factors included:

• Individual errors and complacency during the match.
• Questionable substitutions that weakened the squad.
• A lack of preparation leading up to the qualifier, despite significant signings costing around £32m.

While new players like Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran have strengthened the lineup, critical gaps remain unaddressed. The absence of a backup left-back for Kieran Tierney and a replacement for Arne Engels proved detrimental. Moreover, postponing their match against St Johnstone seemed ill-advised, as fatigue visibly affected the team.

The defeat has significant implications for the transfer market. Missing out on the Champions League means losing £40m in guaranteed income, hindering Celtic’s ability to attract top talent. With just a week left in the transfer window, they now face an uphill battle to fill several positions, including central midfielders and a goalkeeper.

Celtic's board must act decisively to avoid a repeat of last season's turmoil, which included protests and managerial changes. The fans demand a squad capable of competing in the Europa League, and the pressure is mounting for the club hierarchy to deliver.

Looking ahead, if Celtic wins the league, the path to next season's Champions League will be even more challenging, requiring them to navigate multiple qualifying rounds. With their recent track record, it may be some time before they return to Europe's elite competition.