Former Celtic star Chris Sutton has called on his old team to start showing a ruthless edge in domestic matches and strike fear into opponents once again.
Sutton has previously made it clear he is far from convinced with the Bhoys at European level but has now raised concerns about what is ahead in the Scottish Premiership.
Brendan Rodgers’ side have 24 points to play for before the January transfer window truly kicks in and the mid-season winter break arrives.
It’s a critical period of the season and there isn’t too much room for error despite an 8-point lead at the top of the table.
Second-placed Rangers have a game in hand and the two sides meet in a 30th December derby. A lot can happen over the next month.
Sutton wants Celtic to find their swagger again and start to show the ruthlessness that marked out Ange Postecoglou’s side as fearsome.
Chris Sutton says Celtic have been “meandering”
He said this weekend [Daily Record]: “Celtic really need to get ruthless. It’s hard to pick holes in a side that haven’t lost a single fixture of the Premiership all season and have a strong lead at the summit. But, just as with Europe, there needs to be honesty. And the simple truth is that Celtic are meandering in spells.
“Last weekend’s draw with Motherwell was not a one-off in terms of performance. It was sluggish and it was lacklustre. Just as the goalless draws were against St Johnstone and Hibs earlier in the campaign when the other points were shipped.
“There have also been games which have been won where they haven’t hit the heights and I’m sure opponents are gaining more belief they can get something.
“Celtic dodged a bullet last weekend because Rangers slipped up the following day against Aberdeen, but they can’t keep opening the door because, at some stage, their big rivals could walk through it. Don’t get me wrong.
“Rangers’ poor showing against Aris Limassol shows they still have a way to go, but winning the League Cup would give Philippe Clement’s side a major shot of belief and added drive to try and overhaul a deficit in the table. Just as it did for Ange Postecoglou’s team in the Aussie’s first season when they came back from a similar position as now to win it.
“Clement is saying all the right things, just as Postecoglou did. And making big calls, as we saw with Todd Cantwell on Thursday night. Celtic need to stand on the pedal, get moving and strike fear into sides again.”
Celtic undoubtedly need to show a reaction after a difficult week. But they’ve done that many times before and even a couple of times this season.
This side’s ability to bounce back from disappointments shouldn’t be underrated. Yes, it’s a tough period. But Celtic are better equipped to deal with it than any rival. Hopefully, that is proven before the winter holidays.
In other news, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers makes his relationship with Dermot Desmond clear.
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