When it comes to Olivier Ntcham, what a turnaround in fan opinion.
Just several months ago, the Frenchman was bagging a winner as Celtic once again dominated Rangers at Parkhead. Fast forward several months, however, and he’s firmly in the supporter firing-line.
Ntcham put in perhaps the worst of any of his 77 Celtic appearances so far. Up against the likes of Ryan Jack and Ross McCrorie, the former Manchester City man embarrassed himself.
He was totally run over by what many consider to be a bang-average Rangers midfield. Despite that, however, it was little things such as running the ball out of play under no pressure that had the supporters fuming.
As expected, many fans were furious with the display of him when venting on Twitter. Here’s some of the reaction below.
https://twitter.com/_GazK/status/1079025248547282944
MORE CELTIC STORIES
https://twitter.com/Davidopoulos86/status/1079017137879031809
https://twitter.com/KevinMcG01/status/1079021059901476865
https://twitter.com/Derek51905238/status/1079017255839690753
Cowardly display, but he was nowhere near the only one
Everybody would easily acknowledge that Rangers won all of their individual battles. Whilst Ntcham was certainly one of those easily defeated, the cowardly approach from the team rippled throughout the whole side.
Nobody has any evidence to claim Mikael Lustig didn’t have an injury, for example, but it wouldn’t be the first time he’s left a match “carrying a knock” whilst getting torn apart.
Meanwhile, the likes of Scott Sinclair, James Forrest, Ntcham, and Scott Brown all either shirked challenges or were never looking to engage the opposition. This is in total contrast to Rangers. For them, the likes of Scott Arfield, Alfredo Morelos, and Andy Halliday were itching to lay a marker on Celtic.
The fact that Rangers’ competitiveness throughout the game wasn’t matched by Celtic was a disgrace. Hoops fans have every right to feel shortchanged by their club after that one. Ntcham was just one of a bunch who failed to ever look like turning up.
Fortunately, in this crazy world of Scottish football, the next one is never too far away. In three months’ time, Rangers visit Parkhead. It’s importance is now of an unprecendented scale.
If the likes of Ntcham ever want to be considered for another of these games, a massive mentality shift is essential.