Celtic centre-back Carl Starfelt has stated how he dealt with the ludicrous, over-the-top criticism he received earlier this season.
Starfelt came under fire from a host of different pundits, with Davie Provan being the most vocal. Provan stated as recently as March that Celtic had the best defence in the country in spite of the Swedish international and not because of him.
Charlie Nicholas, meanwhile, stated the Hoops needed to replace Carl as far back as August [Scottish Sun]. It’s been constant, with so many forgetting the fact that he’s been part of a defence that’s only shipped only 21 goals in 36 league games.
And now Starfelt has revealed how he managed to battle through all of it as he says he doesn’t read a lot of Scottish media regardless.
Speaking to 67HailHail at a Celtic The Musical event, Carl said: “I didn’t deal with it too much to be fair. I don’t read a lot of Scottish media to be honest. Of course I’m pretty critical of myself as well but I’ve also changed clubs a couple of times. I knew that it was going to take some time to get everything right with the new playing style and everything.
“So I was just calm, trying to work hard in training and come in with good energy every day. That’s how I dealt with it.”
Pundits far too selective when it comes to Carl Starfelt’s Celtic career
The issue with the Starfelt criticism is that these same pundits who criticise him don’t feel like giving him plaudits after good performances. Instead, credit is given to just about everyone else in the Celtic squad.
There’s no apology coming his way from those who have wanted him ousted all season. No appreciation for his efforts and the fact he’s pocketed the likes of Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe this season. Whenever Starfelt does something productive, pundits put their fingers in their ears and pretend that it didn’t happen.
And fair play to him too. He’s managed to handle all of this with class and dignity. He hasn’t resorted to calling individual pundits out or even hammering the criticism itself. He has every right to do so too.
At £4m Starfelt has been an absolute bargain for the football club [Scottish Sun]. He’s been key to our domestic dominance and has risen to every challenge he’s come up against.
Yes, mistakes will still be made. He’s not the perfect centre-back by any stretch and he’ll need to improve further if he’s to make an impact in the UEFA Champions League next season.
But for a debut campaign in a new country? He’s been outstanding and fiar play to him.
In other news, “They don’t do many things for free”; Celtic boss’ reaction to classy South Melbourne gesture
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
