Celtic have added six new summer signings and with the promise of more to come from Brendan Rodgers, there will be a period of prolonged adjusting as the new arrivals settle in.
Already this season we have seen how that, along with Celtic’s new playing style, has disrupted the flow of the team and on Sunday against Kilmarnock, it was evident that there is a long way to go until the new players get up to speed with life at the club.
Celtic captain, Callum McGregor, is aware of this and he has called on the club’s most senior players to stand up and help the new recruits settle into the club and adjust to Brendan Rodgers’ style of football.
McGregor said [Daily Mail], “It was similar at this point two years ago when we put ourselves under pressure.
“Of course, we have some injuries and some big players have left. But that’s part and parcel of football and you have to recycle and find a new team.
“We talk about trying to settle people in but, at Celtic, you don’t have that opportunity. You go to Kilmarnock and lose and all of a sudden you’re under pressure.
“For a lot of them coming in, this is the biggest club they’ve played for. And we have to help them, we have to settle them down.
“It’s a learning curve for everybody but certainly, the senior players will be vital in trying to settle the new lads in and trying to find this pattern we want to kick into.”
The Celtic players that Callum McGregor is calling on
James Forrest is one that will be crucial to aiding Callum McGregor in this. The Celtic winger has been at the club all his life and has seen it all.
From trebles to nine-a-rows to a single trophyless season, Forrest can use all of his experience of highs and lows and pass it on to the new Bhoys. The 32-year-old has also successfully worked under a multitude of managers so he knows a thing or two on how to adjust to the workings of new gaffers.
Joe Hart will also be pivotal this season. Although he has only been at Celtic for two years, Hart has played at some of the biggest clubs in Europe and worked under some of the best managers.
The Hoops ‘keeper was vital in Ange Postecoglou’s first season at the club and was regularly spotted passing on his knowledge and tips to the Celtic backline.
Anthony Ralston is another that could play a part. Although not technically a senior player, he has been at Celtic since he was eight years old. He gets the club and understands fully what it means to the fans.
He has also had his own personal struggles at the club and was almost on his way out. He is now an important squad member.
However, all the players will need to pitch in and do their bit. And I am sure that they are. The pressure is now on and, come Saturday, the players (new and old) will need to be on it from the first whistle to the last.
In other news, Chris Sutton discusses Celtic’s Kilmarnock issues that could become a ‘problem’ at Ibrox
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