Why on earth would Celtic be involved in Manchester City‘s recent 4-Game slip-up?
It sounds a bit random at first, right? After all, Celtic play in Scotland, far removed from the high-stakes world of the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
But as we dig deeper, you’ll see why Celtic’s presence keeps cropping up in places that have caused major discomfort for City.
From the attacking philosophy of Ange Postecoglou to the green-and-white stripes that tie Celtic to clubs like Sporting Lisbon, it’s clear that the Bhoys’ influence is casting a shadow over Pep’s Premier League and European dominance.
So, stick around—because what seems like a simple joke might just have a little more truth to it than you think, and that is what we are going to dive deep into today.
Right then, let’s dissect the reasons for this so-called ‘Celtic Curse’ on the Mancunians and Pep, one after the other:
An Ange-Inspired Spurs: Celtic’s Green and White Influence Across London
Before Ange Postecoglou arrived at Celtic in 2021, the club had endured a difficult period, having failed to win any major silverware the previous season. Expectations were high as they sought a revival. Despite some early skepticism about his experience, particularly in European football, Postecoglou’s impact was immediate. His high-intensity attacking football led Celtic to a Scottish Premiership title and a domestic treble in just his second season—restoring the club’s glory.
Postecoglou’s time at Celtic was transformative, both on and off the pitch. His leadership style, directness, and emphasis on an exciting brand of football quickly made him a fan favorite.
In 2023, Postecoglou made history as the first Australian to manage in the Premier League, taking charge of Tottenham Hotspur. But his Celtic legacy remains alive and well, and it was on full display when Spurs, under his guidance, recently defeated Manchester City in the Carabao Cup. The victory felt like a continuation of his Celtic-influenced journey—one that has continued to haunt Pep Guardiola’s City, as the style and principles Postecoglou cultivated at Celtic are still having an impact in English football today (at least that’s what the Celtic fans are hoping!)
Ryan Christie’s Bournemouth: How Celtic’s Former Star Helped Bournemouth Stun City
Three days later, City were stunned again, this time in the Premier League, when Bournemouth—featuring former Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie—delivered a shock victory. Christie was a key player at Celtic, known for his energy, pressing, and versatility in attack. His time in Scotland shaped his style and gave him the Celtic toughness that Bournemouth harnessed in their win. As Christie played his part in frustrating City’s star-studded lineup, fans couldn’t help but notice the second Celtic tie in City’s misfortune. The “curse” narrative continued to grow as City fans watched another team with Celtic ties topple the Premier League champions.
A Team from Lisbon: A Green-and-White Connection to City’s European Woes
Next came the Champions League clash against Sporting Lisbon, which City lost 4-1 in another upset. While there’s no direct player connection to Celtic, Sporting Lisbon shares an iconic bond with the Scottish giants—they both wear green and white stripes and have celebrated historic European nights. Celtic’s “Lisbon Lions” famously lifted the European Cup in Lisbon in 1967, a defining moment that connects the two clubs in the minds of fans. To add fuel to the theory, Sporting’s surprising win over City echoed the spirit of Celtic’s greatest underdog moment. It felt as if the green-and-white stripes had once again come to haunt Pep in a major European clash.
A Matt O’Riley Winner: Celtic’s Legacy Lives on Through the Midfielder’s Winning Goal
The final defeat in City’s string of losses came from an unlikely source: Brighton, who triumphed 2-1 at the Amex. The standout moment of the match was a goal from Matt O’Riley, a name that Celtic fans know all too well. O’Riley made the move from MK Dons to Celtic in 2021, where he quickly became a key figure in their midfield under Ange Postecoglou’s system. O’Riley’s composed play and intelligent passing were integral to Celtic’s success during his time in Glasgow. So, when the former Celtic star played a role in Brighton’s victory over City, it felt as if Celtic’s influence had come full circle. It was yet another twist in the week-long saga where Celtic’s reach seemed to extend beyond Scotland, making an impact in the Premier League as well as Europe. For City fans, O’Riley’s winner felt almost poetic, as if Celtic’s underdog spirit had extended to every team who inflicted pain on Pep’s side.
So, is there really a Celtic “curse” on Pep and Manchester City? The more logical among us may say no, but there’s a certain charm to the story that fans can’t resist. Whether it’s Ange’s pressing style at Spurs, Christie’s Celtic-born tenacity at Bournemouth, the green-and-white stripes of Lisbon, or the underdog spirit of O’Riley, City’s losses all seem to carry a little of Celtic’s spirit. While Pep’s struggles are likely temporary, it’s fun to think that Celtic’s presence, in one way or another, found a way to “run UK football”—at least for a week. And as City fans anxiously wait for their team to bounce back, the rest of us can sit back, laugh, and enjoy the quirkiest football “curse” of the season.