Joe Hart didn’t pull his punches in the wake of today’s Celtic win over Aberdeen. While noting the strength of character in this Bhoys team find a victory despite not being at their best, he admitted performances are still a work in progress under Brendan Rodgers.
The first two league games of the season have been curious to watch. Celtic have effectively won both matches against Ross County and Aberdeen by a comfortable margin – but it’s fair to say the Bhoys haven’t exactly peaked yet.
Sloppy passes, nervy defending and lack of control on proceedings were all evident at Pittodrie, but Celtic still found the three goals to punish Barry Robson’s side, thanks to some slick attacking combinations.
Hart reckons this is all a natural part of the process. Rodgers has arrived with a new way of thinking and playing – it’s unrealistic to expect magic to happen so quickly. He’s confident the champions will get better.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the goalkeeper said: “We’ve got to give a lot of respect to Aberdeen, I thought they pressed us really well – they made it difficult. The pitch was dry, that’s not an excuse, that’s a fact.
“We’re not as free-flowing as we want to be at the moment. We have new management with clear ideas that we’re trying to adhere to, and it’s tough. We’re working hard. We work hard every single day. We’re going to get better. But I think that shows character – when we’re not at our silky best, we’re still going to get a big result away from home.
“The manager has made it clear he’s here for a long time. You can’t just come in and snap your fingers and play the way someone wants you to play after having such a clear way of playing for two years. It’s not through lack of trying. I can speak for the squad, everyone wants to get their head down and work hard.
“The manager has been superb since he’s come in, with his messaging. We’re trying to play a really expansive, eye-catching way of football but not everyone can do that, it’s not easy but we’re working on it.”
What’s crucial – and pleasing – right now is that Celtic are racking up the points regardless of these teething problems. As the goalkeeper says, this team will get better and more used to what Rodgers is trying to deploy.
This is a group of young players full of potential and the manager will know how to get the best out of them over time. He’s shown that before.
Today’s win in Aberdeen was actually a massive result. The team lost two key players to injury mid-match, were far from their best and were visiting the second-toughest away ground in the country right now. The champions managed to win by a two-goal margin despite that.
Still, Hart’s comments are welcome. There is zero complacency within the Celtic camp right now and that’s exactly what we want.
In other news, Brendan Rodgers calls for more Celtic signings.
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