The Hoops captain was devastated after one of the worst European results in the club’s history
22:30, 27 Aug 2025Updated 22:58, 27 Aug 2025
Callum McGregor says Celtic must stick together, stay strong and set Rangers record straight
Callum McGregor insists Celtic have to bounce back from Champions League disaster – by setting the record straight against Rangers.
The Hoops captain was devastated after one of the worst European results in the club’s history shattered hopes of another crack at the group stage.
Celts were left humiliated by their exit in Kazakhstan but McGregor insisted the Scottish champs can’t let the crushing disappointment send their season into a tailspin.
Brendan Rodgers’ side can open up a NINE point lead over Rangers with a victory at Ibrox.
But McGregor admitted Celtic will need to rip up the narrative around the Old Firm clash after misfiring in recent encounters.
The Hoops have failed to win the last three clashes since edging out their fierce foes in the Premier Sports Cup Final last December and were thumped 3-0 in Govan in a two year winless run at Ibrox.
McGregor will attempt to park the Euro misery and rally his men for the Glasgow showdown.
He said: “The experienced players now have to get around the team.
“I spoke about that in the changing room, about having to reset.
“There will be pressure that comes with this result (against Kairat), of course there will be at Celtic.
“But we have to stay together now.
“Everyone else will try to pick us apart but we have to stay together and we have to stay strong.
“We now have an amazing game on Sunday to go there and set the record straight a little bit.
“Then players all know that and they know what’s required.
“And hopefully by Sunday we’ll be there.”
Celtic dejection after penalty shootout defeat ends Champions League dream
The Celtic squad made the 10 hour 3,500 mile trek back from Almaty in the early hours of Wednesday morning on the back of a gruelling 120 minute slug fest in the far east.
But McGregor insisted the derby clash is the perfect opportunity to get Celtic going again.
The Hoops will be in the the Europa League draw on Friday, and said: “It’s probably the best game to have next, to be honest. You probably couldn’t pick a better game.
“The games just get bigger and bigger at Celtic and this group understands that.
“As soon as you go out of competitions like the Champions League it hurts the team.
“But the only way you can answer that is by bouncing back in the next game.
“It’s just important that everyone in the changing room sticks together because only us who can fix it. And we need to fix it.
“It was a disappointing night for us in Kazakhstan but we have an opportunity now to exercise some of the demons from that defeat.
“Of course, we all wanted to be playing in the Champions League and we’re all very disappointed that it’s not happening.
“But we still have the Europa League and still have a good season.”