Celtic are desperate to get back to winning ways tomorrow against Motherwell amid their ongoing tussle with Rangers for the Scottish Premiership title.
Brendan Rodgers has come in for criticism from a segment of the Hoops’ support due to recent performances; however, the Irishman has insisted his side are committed to playing ‘dynamic’ football.
He stated before the Bhoys’ trip to Fir Park: “The system hasn’t changed, the style hasn’t asked to be changed – because my teams are fast and dynamic – but what we most definitely have missed are the players who bring that element to the game.”
Nevertheless, there is a wider acknowledgement that Celtic’s available group of players need to step up in order to swing the tide in their favour in the hunt for the league trophy.
The 51-year-old has been granted a triple boost this weekend after it emerged that Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alistair Johnston and Odin Thiago Holm are all fit to face the Steelmen.
Undoubtedly, there is a reaction needed following a disappointing draw at home to Kilmarnock last weekend, though only time will tell on that front as we wait for the action to commence at 12 pm.
Chris Sutton blasts Celtic recruitment ‘mistakes’ this term
Former Celtic icon Chris Sutton has let rip at his old club’s recruitment ‘mistakes’ in the market last summer and doesn’t believe that January arrivals Nicolas Kuhn or Adam Idah are ‘automatic starters’ at present.
Reacting to the Hoops’ interim report results, the 50-year-old wrote [Daily Record]: “Identified targets were unavailable. Well, identify more or some alternatives. Because, quite simply, are you telling me there wasn’t a single left-back out there available as better cover to Greg Taylor than Alexandro Bernabei?
“Come on. Also, I’m not entirely sure what transfer activity being at its lowest in England for 10 years has to do with Celtic.
He later added to his frustration, stating on summer additions: “Odin Thiago Holm, barely kicked a ball; Marco Tillo; gone. Kwon, gone; Hyun-jun Yang, project; Gustaf Lagerbielke, told he could have gone in January; Maik Nawrocki, now behind Stephen Welsh in the queue.; Luis Palma, done okay but has faded and needs to get fitter; Nat Phillips, been and gone.
“Paulo Bernardo took time to get going and lost his place in the side when he did. The reason Celtic were scrambling in January is because of those mistakes last summer, and the two arrivals Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah aren’t automatic starters.”
Celtic need to deal with what they’ve got for the rest of this term
Unfortunately, there isn’t a magic wand at Parkhead to add several players in key positions, signifying that Rodgers has to find a way to motivate his current group for the rest of this term.
Carter-Vickers and Johnston’s return to action will provide some positivity in the camp; meanwhile, Reo Hatate is still to make his long-awaited comeback from a calf issue.
Nevertheless, we need to find a way to steer our way through a congested run of upcoming fixtures to stay in the race for the Scottish Premiership title, which is doable but no easy task.
Celtic have no margin for error and now need to show their mettle as they aim to complete a domestic double.
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