Celtic favourite Mohamed Elyounoussi has hit out at media figures who have questioned his commitment to the cause, as he launched a staunch defence of his desire to be successful in Glasgow.
BT Sport pundit Chris Sutton stated on Thursday night that he would’ve fined Elyounoussi two weeks’ worth of wages for an off-field incident against Sparta Prague. The Norwegian was spotted looking at his phone for a brief moment after being taken off during the embarrassing 4-1 defeat at Parkhead.
Sky Sports man Kris Boyd was next to have a pop over the weekend when he lambasted Moi over the same incident, questioning his desire to win 10-in-a-row for the club (Scottish Sun).
However, Elyounoussi provided the perfect response to the agro with a tremendous hat-trick at Fir Park yesterday. He then decided to launch a defence of himself off the pitch too, as he looked to put his critics right on where he’s at mentally.
As quoted by the Daily Record, Moi said: “Yes I was (fired up by the comments). I’m here to help the team score and win games. So of course I was frustrated and disappointed that someone questioned my professionalism and commitment. No one should question my professionalism, my commitment to the team and the best way to talk is with my feet.
“I read a comment that it was stupid of me – and it was a big misunderstanding. That’s finished, behind me. Anyone who knows me realises I give 100 percent for my team and I’m very committed on the pitch.
“Of course we had to show a reaction from Thursday and we did that. It was a great win and good goals so I’m pleased.”
Just another symptom of Celtic’s recent struggles
It makes for good headlines and increases traffic for outlets when they create a storm in a teacup. That’s exactly what this situation was – a total non-event that has been bigged up simply because Celtic have been struggling for form.
Elyounoussi’s commitment should never have been questioned in the first place. We’ve seen no signs of any lack of effort from the Norwegian ever since he initially signed for the club on his first loan deal in August 2019.
The only reason such an incident has been built up is because it portrays an image of disarray off the pitch to go with the failings on it. It allows a picture to be painted of a manager who is losing his dressing room after a few poor results. Regardless of the fact Elyounoussi’s phone-gate saga was never anything to be concerned about.
But that’s what made yesterday’s result and performance from Moi all the more important. Had he failed to produce in North Lanarkshire and played a key part in us dropping more points, it would’ve added fuel to the fire of our critics.
Now, that isn’t something we have to worry about. His hat-trick against Motherwell was almost a statement of its own – a statement that outlined the character that still exists within that dressing room.
However, Elyounoussi and co must recognise that it was only a small step. After the international break, Celtic travel to Easter Road to face Hibs at a ground where results and performances have failed to impress in recent years. Another starring display there and the confidence will start to return.
In other news, an SPFL boss has provided a ridiculous verdict on the Jeremie Frimpong incident yesterday, but the IFAB rules have caught him out.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
