Hearing Celtic-minded pundits conceding the title before a ball has even been kicked is getting frustrating already.
We’ve gotten used to hearing mainstream media journalists predict doomsday scenarios for Celtic this season. Whether it be Keith Jackson’s prediction that Celtic is a car crash waiting to happen [Daily Record], or whether it be Hugh Keevins predicting we lose the league by more than 25 points [Daily Record]. We’re used to that.
But what’s frustrating is when it comes from Celtic supporters. Those in the media who are supposed to be fans of the club.
Sure, you want some unbiased opinion. But are predictions of catastrophe really fair on Celtic at present? At a time of the season when we should be getting hyped up to see what Ange Postecoglou can deliver?
Chris Sutton spoke in his own Daily Record column last week claiming that it would be a “miracle” if Celtic won the league. He stated that Postecoglou has been given “no chance”.
Next up today was Charlie Nicholas. Whilst we’re used to reading negative or pessimistic views from the former Hoops striker, he was another to follow the doom and gloom brigade.
Celtic-minded pundits need to get behind the team
Speaking in his Scottish Daily Express column [print version, 27/07, page 51], Nicholas said: “The gap is so big that I don’t see how Celtic could close it to mount a genuine title challenge to Rangers this season. Ange Postecoglou’s squad needs substantially strengthened and any players who do come in will need time to settle and adjust to the demands of the club.
“People will argue that Postecoglou is signing these guys and they will fit into the type of football he wants to play, but it can’t be assumed they will hit the ground running.
“I take no pleasure in saying this, but if Celtic manage to go through to the next qualifying round then it would just be papering over the cracks. At the moment Postecoglou has the fans on his side, but if the Hoops are still struggling a month or two into the Premiership season then it’s inevitable the blame will turn to him.”
Why on earth is this the narrative we need to take as Celtic fans? We’ve already strengthened at centre-back via the acquisition of Carl Starfelt. Aurelio Buta also looks like he’ll complete his move to Parkhead today at some stage [Walfoot].
No, there are no guarantees that they’ll be successful. We get that. But aren’t we supposed to be backing the manager to make an impact here? We should be in a state of hope, not resignation.
Celtic kick off the Premiership season at Tynecastle on Saturday night. Is that a game we really don’t expect to take three points from? Especially with the renewed optimism of our exciting looking frontline.
Yes there are gaps at the back, but Celtic are getting players in the door to deal with that. Players can still take time to fully settle whilst winning football matches.
There’s far too much negativity and pessimism from Hoops-supporting pundits at the moment. And a time of the season when we should be bigging up a title fight.
Fingers crossed Ange changes this tiring narrative as soon as the league starts this weekend.
In other news: Reported Dermot Desmond involvement leads to question marks over Celtic transfer policy
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