There was something a touch worrying when Celtic lost 2-0 to Rangers back in October as Callum McGregor took on post-match press duties.
After a dismal showing at Celtic Park, McGregor appeared to spill it to the media. He claimed that Celtic lacked belief against Rangers. That they weren’t sure of the quality they had on the pitch and that they doubted they could turn them over (Scottish Sun).
It was a pretty incredible reveal from McGregor. Even if he said that this mainly stemmed from missing a few first-team players. We did have the likes of Leigh Griffiths, Ismaila Soro, David Turnbull, and Kris Ajer available for that one however.
But Turnbull’s latest comments show a bullish change in mentality in that Celtic dressing room. He was in no mood to play down how well we played at Ibrox, and was keen to let everyone know who was the better team.
As quoted by the Daily Record, Turnbull said: “Listen, the boys can take a lot of heart from the performance at the weekend and we will keep fighting and keep pushing.
“We’ve played them off the park for most of the game. We played really well and it’s about retaining the belief and kicking on.”
Ibrox will have given Celtic belief
Not many may look at this and agree, but Ibrox will have given Celtic huge belief. Perhaps not for some supporters who believe our season is all but over. But the players themselves will be left fizzing at how they didn’t take the points.
After the 2-0 loss in October we lacked any sort of belief. McGregor’s comments back then proved just that. We were a team that were on our knees against our rivals. Not knowing how to combat their aggressive midfield or pacey wide men.
Things have changed massively after Ibrox. That belief Celtic didn’t have is coming back again. The new diamond system with Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths up top has done something to us. With Ismaila Soro and Turnbull representing new personnel, they’ve changed how we look at future derby games.
When Rangers come to Parkhead in March, who is honestly going to be dreading it? If you are then you shouldn’t. Celtic proved at Ibrox they’ve found the system that will overcome them. They’ll point to the fact they had Scott Arfield and Ryan Jack out as a major reason for this. But aren’t Steve Davis and Glen Kamara supposed to be top-notch signings from Gerrard?
Turnbull’s comments shows that Celtic aren’t fearful of Rangers in any sense. In fact there appears to be a stout belief that we’re the better side. And the Hoops midfielder wouldn’t be wrong – we did play them off the park and nine times out of 10 would’ve won the game.
Hopefully that belief launches a super charge towards the 10 in 2021. There’s no room for error anymore.
In other news, a BT Sport pundit has ripped into one of Lennon’s summer signings.
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