Celtic have been knocked off top spot in the Scottish Premiership following events earlier today and have major questions to answer under Brendan Rodgers.
Yesterday, the Hoops turned in a substandard performance at home to Kilmarnock and were made to pay for their inability to see three points over the line.
David Watson’s late equaliser in stoppage time cancelled out Kyogo Furuhashi’s opener in the first half, leaving the Bhoys to trail Rangers by two points after they swatted St Johnstone aside in Perth.
Truthfully, Celtic have engineered their own downfall following a series of unnecessary dropped points in the league, though they still have 12 games to try and turn the situation back around.
Nevertheless, they will need to wait a week before having the chance to get back to winning ways against Motherwell at Fir Park.
Rodgers issued a worrying verdict in the aftermath of his side’s 1-1 draw, stating post-match: “You have to be able to deal with that pressure. We’ve had enough mishaps throughout the season, so I’m not surprised if I’m honest.”
Realistically, the reigning champions have no choice but to turn their focus to taking on Stuart Kettlewell’s outfit next Sunday; however, a significantly improved display will be necessary to claim three points.
Celtic’s Callum McGregor discusses business end of the season
Captain Callum McGregor has been part of many title-winning Celtic sides and knows the high standards that are required to turn their aspirations into reality.
The Bhoys haven’t done a great job proving their Scottish Premiership credentials, but that doesn’t mean they can’t rise above their recent malaise to prove the doubters wrong.
Analysing his side’s result against Kilmarnock, McGregor has hinted that some of his teammates are still yet to understand the ‘non-negotiables’ of playing for Celtic.
The Scotland international stated [Daily Record]: “It’s a big job to turn this around now. There’s 12 games to go and we have to find a way.
“We’ve to get through to everyone and make them understand what’s required here. How we play here, there are non-negotiables. If we don’t do that, the team suffers. We have 12 games to solve it.
“The players must be aware that there’s a certain standard required on the pitch. Has that message yet to hit home for some players? When you keep finding yourself in this position, then maybe.”
Celtic need to pour everything into the season run-in
At this point, Celtic can either wallow in their disappointment or try to channel their frustration into something positive on the pitch.
Supporters will hope they choose the latter, with the threat of losing out on a third title in succession now growing by the week.
The 2023/24 campaign is nowhere near over; however, Rodgers and company may be staring down the barrel if they cannot collectively solve their on-field issues.
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