Joe Hart explains why the Celtic players have had a “shock to the system”

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Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart has stated that having no midweek game has been a “shock to the system” for the players over the last week.

The Hoops have had a hectic schedule in 2022 so far. Celtic have played 14 games in all competitions since returning from the winter break on January 17th. Incredibly, the squad has managed to use that momentum to secure a run that’s seen us bag 11 wins in our 12 domestic games so far.

Celtic have a huge Scottish Cup quarter-final clash against Dundee United tonight. It comes after our first midweek since the winter break without having a fixture crammed in.

Hart has been discussing whether having less games can be a benefit physically, and in doing so has stated the players certainly didn’t feel used to having so much time on the training ground.

As quoted by the Scotsman, Hart said: “If we were still in [the Conference League] we’d be doing our best to stay in it. The fact that we’re not means it’s gone and there’s nothing we can do about it. All we can do is focus on the league and the cup.

“I agree that there is a difference [physically]. But the fact is you are either still in it or you’re not. If we were in it we wouldn’t be thinking about saving our legs for any other competition. We play to win every game. It has been hectic, but it just becomes part of your life. When you are used to something it’s not something which really presses on you.

“In terms of that, I think we are quite lucky because we are all of the same mentality with two games a week. So when that does change it’s a little bit of a shock to the system, probably more this way around than the other way around.”

Celtic have plenty of momentum despite having no midweek fixture

There’s something so enjoyable and enthralling about being on a winning run that includes constant midweek fixtures. The momentum generated from those kind of runs can really make a season. And it’s fair to say Celtic have certainly managed to make the most of their own hectic run of games.

Granted, nobody wanted to be knocked out of Europe. We all viewed the Europa Conference League as a competition we could genuinely make a dent in. That we went out so meekly to Bodo/Glimt isn’t something the players will take much pride in.

But we’ve already boosted our performance in Europe this season. Let’s not forget that we only managed 1 win in the Europa League group stages last year. This year under Ange we managed 3. To put it into perspective, we ended the group stages with a higher points total than Rangers.

The break will undoubtedly have been welcome for the manager. It must feel like an age for Ange since he’s been able to get them in at Lennoxtown and working on tactical elements of the game.

So it’s no wonder it’s a bit of a change for the Celtic players. Their build-up to tonight’s game is something they won’t have experienced for several months.

All eyes then on how we adapt to the situation tonight.

In other news, Confirmed: Ex-Celtic midfielder Mark Fotheringham lands new Bundesliga role