In the world of Scottish football, the expectations and scrutiny on Celtic Football Club are nothing short of monumental. A draw can lead to raised eyebrows, a defeat to collective gasps, and successive league losses, well, that’s a crisis, right? Well, not exactly, not yet anyway.
Celtic, the defending Scottish Premiership champions, have recently faced a double setback with defeats against Kilmarnock and Hearts within just seven days. As a result, their arch-rivals, Rangers, find themselves hot on their heels, trailing by five points with two games in hand. However, before the Celtic faithful start panicking, there are some important factors to consider.
Firstly, Rangers won’t play one of those two additional fixtures until after the winter break, and there’s also the highly anticipated Old Firm derby on the horizon. So, as of now, Celtic still have a significant say in their own fate.
Nonetheless, the recent string of losses has left Celtic supporters understandably concerned. Manager Brendan Rodgers, who has experienced tremendous success with the club in the past, found himself in an unfamiliar position after Saturday’s disappointing 2-0 loss to Hearts. He even issued an apology to the fans, something he had never done before during his tenure.
“The performance today was nowhere near the level of what is expected of a Celtic player and a Celtic team,” Rodgers lamented.
For context, during Rodgers’ previous stint with Celtic between 2016 and early 2019, the club achieved a remarkable seven consecutive domestic trophies and lost only eight Premiership games, just one at home. Aberdeen was the closest challenger during that period. However, this season has been different, with Celtic already dropping 12 points, three fewer than the entire previous season under Ange Postecoglou.
One of the key issues plaguing Celtic in recent weeks has been a lack of consistency in their performances. Rodgers has publicly expressed his frustration at the team’s inability to maintain a high level of play throughout matches. Sometimes they start slow and finish strong, as seen in their comeback against St Johnstone, while other times, like in the Kilmarnock game, they start well and then stumble.
James McFadden, a former Scotland forward, pointed out, “They haven’t become a bad team overnight. There doesn’t seem to be that sharp pass or movement, or even the willingness to run in behind. Celtic seem like they’re always looking for the perfect opening, and that’s just not happening at the moment.”
In the aftermath of the defeat by Hearts, there was palpable tension between the fans and the board. Michael Stewart, a former Hearts player, remarked on the atmosphere inside the stadium, describing a real divide between the passionate supporters and the upper echelons of the club.
“The punters feel they should be allowed to voice their opinions. In front of us, things became more heated with people getting involved in altercations,” Stewart noted.
Despite the unrest, Celtic is not short of financial resources, with recent reports showing profits exceeding £40 million. However, summer signings have yet to make a significant impact, with many of them seeing limited game time. Injuries have also played a role in disrupting the team’s consistency.
As 2023 turns into 2024, Brendan Rodgers has made it abundantly clear that a change is needed. He emphasized the importance of desire and consistency, saying, “That lack of consistency and mentality and desire, it is way, way off what this club demands. You’re sat there in mid-December with 60,000 in, and that’s how you perform. It is not acceptable.”
So, while the recent defeats may not spell the end of Celtic’s title hopes, they are certainly a wake-up call. The defending champions must find their rhythm, regain their consistency, and bridge the gap with Rangers if they want to maintain their status at the pinnacle of Scottish football. The season is far from over, but the clock is ticking, and the pressure is mounting at Paradise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Scottish Football Struggles
What caused Celtic’s recent struggles in the Scottish Premiership?
Celtic’s recent struggles in the Scottish Premiership can be attributed to a lack of consistency in their performances. Manager Brendan Rodgers has expressed frustration over the team’s inability to maintain a high level of play throughout matches.
How has Celtic’s recent performance compared to their past successes?
During Brendan Rodgers’ previous stint with Celtic between 2016 and early 2019, the club achieved seven consecutive domestic trophies and lost only eight Premiership games, just one at home. However, this season has seen Celtic drop 12 points, three fewer than the entire previous season under Ange Postecoglou.
What are some specific issues affecting Celtic’s performance?
One key issue has been a lack of sharpness in passing, movement, and willingness to run in behind the opposition. This has resulted in Celtic often seeking the perfect opening rather than taking more assertive actions on the pitch.
How has the relationship between Celtic’s fans and the board been affected by recent results?
Recent defeats have strained the relationship between the passionate supporters and the club’s upper management. Tensions have risen, with fans feeling that they should have a say in the team’s performance and the board’s decisions.
What financial resources does Celtic have to address their challenges?
Despite the on-field struggles, Celtic is financially robust, with recent reports showing profits exceeding £40 million. This suggests that the club has the resources to make necessary changes and improvements.
What is Brendan Rodgers’ message to the team in the wake of recent losses?
Brendan Rodgers has emphasized the importance of desire, consistency, and mentality. He has made it clear that the current level of performance is not acceptable for a club like Celtic and that significant improvements are needed.
More about Scottish Football Struggles
- Celtic FC Official Website: For official news and updates about Celtic FC.
- Scottish Premiership Official Website: For information on the Scottish Premiership and its teams.
- Brendan Rodgers Profile: Brendan Rodgers’ profile on Wikipedia, detailing his managerial career.
- BBC Sport – Scottish Football: BBC’s coverage of Scottish football, including analysis and news on Celtic FC.
