With continued speculation about potential signings, failure to improve the defence could cost Celtic the league.
Brendan Rodgers’ side are just two games into the Premiership campaign and have already lost. That 1-0 defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle showed how badly Celtic needed defensive recruits.
However, as if being bullied by Kyle Lafferty and Uche Ikpeazu wasn’t enough – Celtic were then knocked out of the Champions League by AEK Athens. It’s been a tough couple of weeks for the Champions.
It’s now down to the club to start sorting it out. Supporters are demanding defensive recruits, and Peter Laweell and Rodgers must provide them.
Club Dispute
An on-going dispute between supporters and the board over a lack of investment continues to rumble on. Celtic could help themselves both on the pitch and off it by recruiting defensively.
Jack Hendry and Kristoffer Ajer aren’t a convincing pairing, and that showed against Partick Thistle. Even though the Hoops won 3-1, they were largely frustrated by Partick and, Hendry especially had some shocking lapses.
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Speculation in recent weeks had both Jason Denayer and Jeffrey Bruma heading to Parkhead. This would’ve involved some serious money, however, and therefore wouldn’t have transpired.
With the Champions League earnings Celtic have made in the past, however, they have to start spending substantially.
Rangers’ Revival
It would be foolish to ignore what’s going on across the city.
Rangers are breaking down every defence they’re coming up against, whilst remaining resolute at the back. Celtic have the players to cut through Steven Gerrard’s men, but do they also have the ability to keep them out?
That’s highly doubtful with how they’re operating at the back. Celtic have played three domestic matches and conceded in each one so far.
If it’s going to be a positive season full of domestic success, the Hoops have to strengthen at the back. They cannot get away with the three centre-backs they currently have available.
Dedryck Boyata is highly unlikely to be a mainstay in the side this season. Therefore, recruits are essential.
Will the club reinvest? They’ll have to – unless the defence could cost Celtic the league.