Paul Lambert Warns Celtic Squad Lacks Strength

Lambert’s stark verdict on Celtic’s squad

Paul Lambert opened the conversation by declaring the current Celtic squad is simply not up to the task ahead. Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound, the former Hoops captain said the group is “nowhere near good enough” for the league and cup challenges ahead. He warned that the problems lingering from last season will not disappear without decisive action. Lambert’s remarks arrive as Celtic gear up for the new campaign, kicking off on Monday 3 August against Dundee at Celtic Park.

The former captain added that the manager, Martin O’Neill, is fully aware of the deficiencies. He noted that the same issues were present last season and will remain unless the squad is bolstered. “The squad’s not strong enough,” Lambert emphasized, highlighting that the club cannot afford another season of mediocrity. His comments underline a growing concern among fans about the club’s ability to compete domestically and in Europe.

Celtic’s recent successes contrasted with current reality

When reflecting on Celtic’s glory days, Lambert pointed to the triumph‑filled seasons of the late 1990s. The 1996/97 Champions League win, captured in an iconic photograph of Lambert alongside Stefan Reuter, still stands as a benchmark for ambition. A memorable 3‑0 Scottish Cup final victory over Hibernian on 26 May 2001, featuring Lambert and Tom Boyd lifting the trophy, remains a high point in recent club history. These moments underscore how far the current group is from replicating such achievements.

That image preserves the moment when Lambert and Reuter celebrated the Champions League triumph, a reminder of what Celtic can achieve when the squad is properly assembled. It also serves as a visual benchmark for the current roster, which currently lacks the depth and quality demonstrated on that night.

O’Neill’s transfer missteps and squad doubts

Martin O’Neill’s tenure has already been marked by high expectations and mixed results. He publicly requested signings for Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi early in the window, yet both deals fell through. The manager’s inability to secure these targets left the squad feeling short, according to Lambert. The missed opportunities reinforce the narrative that Celtic is not investing enough to strengthen the team for a genuine tilt at silverware.

Lambert’s critique extends to the club’s overall approach in the market. He described a pattern of hesitation that leaves Celtic trailing behind rivals who are actively reinforcing their squads. This perceived inaction, he argues, puts the Hoops at risk of dropping points early in the season. The failing of O’Neill’s transfer plans is a clear illustration of why the current group feels inadequate.

One visual from the Dundee match, dated 5 April 2026, shows Kelechi Iheanacho applauding the fans at Dens Park. The scene highlights the moments when Celtic rely on individual moments of brilliance rather than collective strength. Such scenes, while commendable, cannot sustain a title challenge without a deeper, more balanced squad.

The importance of spending and retaining talent

Lambert was blunt about the club’s financial strategy, stating that standing still is equivalent to moving backwards. He warned that if Celtic does not invest, rivals will continue to outpace them in both the league and European competitions. He specifically named players whose departures have weakened the side: Engels, Maeda, Johnston, Hatate, and Nygren. Their transfers, he argued, have accelerated a decline that could have been avoided with smarter business.

The former captain emphasized that Celtic must act decisively in the offseason, making sure any new arrivals are “ready‑made” rather than developmental projects. “You can’t buy young kids to come in there and grasp that club because it’s too big and it’s too demanding,” Lambert stressed. This philosophy underscores the necessity of signing proven performers who can hit the ground running. The stark reality is that Celtic cannot afford a rebuilding phase while competitors are adding quality seasoned players.

Another image captures the pre‑season friendly between Celtic and Middlesbrough on 18 July 2026 at Celtic Park. It shows manager Martin O’Neill being greeted by Middlesbrough’s Kim Hellberg, a scene that illustrates the competitive atmosphere Celtic faces heading into the new term. Such fixtures are a proving ground for squad depth and tactical cohesion, areas where the current group appears lacking.

What lies ahead for the Hoops

Lambert cautioned that panic is premature, noting that the English Championship now mirrors the Premier League of a decade ago. “You’re talking off the scale in some of the clubs in the Championship,” he observed, suggesting that the competition is tighter than ever. He urged the club to recognize that Celtic is a winning organization, not a developmental side. The path forward, he argued, demands immediate investment in quality players who can deliver results from day one. The message is clear: unless Celtic modernizes its roster, the next few seasons could be defined by missed opportunities rather than triumphs.

In conclusion, Lambert’s assessment serves as a wake‑up call for Celtic’s hierarchy. The squad’s current composition does not meet the standards required to contend for domestic titles or European qualification. Sharp action in the transfer market, coupled with a willingness to spend, will be essential if the Hoops intend to reclaim their former glory. The club’s fans and stakeholders now await decisive moves that will transform words into on‑field success.