It defies belief that some of the players aren’t giving their all in such a vital season
To be in a dressing room with people who obviously don’t want to be there is like a personal insult to those who do. No one is under any illusions about Celtic’s model. Players come in from abroad and, if they are good enough, they’ll move on. But only when it suits all parties.
I played with the likes of Virgil van Dijk. There was speculation surrounding him from almost the minute he arrived but he never once downed tools.
That was the case for everyone back then and that’s why Neil Lennon is clearly so frustrated at the current situation.
This is a monumental season for Celtic. Why would anyone want to leave right now? You have the chance to write your name into the history books. Next summer then takes care of itself.
I always felt I had a really good relationship with all the guys in our dressing room as well as the supporters. I just found that the desire to do your absolute utmost and to be better each and every day came naturally. It should always be like that.
If ever there was talk about me moving from any club, I almost performed that little bit better because you want to impress so much so people feel you can go to the next level. Isn’t that just human nature?
That’s why I just don’t understand the mentality of anyone who’s not pulling their weight. That will be the first thing that will scare clubs off.
Take it from me, Scott Brown will also be absolutely furious by the fact people aren’t pulling their weight.
If Lennon was referring to fringe players, that’s no big deal. But you don’t really get upset with them. You only get annoyed when it’s people that you want there.
It’s all speculation but if it’s the likes of olivier Ntcham and Kristoffer Ajer, who have been linked with Porto and AC Milan, that is concerning.
There is probably a bit of Lennon saying to these players that they are not quite as good as they think they are. It’s a bit of a personal dig at them — hoping for a reaction.
The gauntlet has been thrown on the floor. The entire support now knows that there are people in the dressing room who are actively looking to move club and are not fully applying themselves as a result.
All Celtic supporters will have spent yesterday at their work wondering who the manager means and they’ll have their eyes on them all from now on. It won’t be too hard to work out.
And for fans who are scrimping and saving to watch games on
TV right now, that’s a slap in the face.
It’s not just the attitude of certain players that’s concerning right now. It’s their quality.
The most fundamental thing about football is you are only as good as your striker.
odsonne Edouard is a phenomenal talent but he’s only one player and Celtic are now over-reliant on him.
When I was there you had a Greek international in Georgios Samaras, Gary Hooper and Anthony Stokes. This feels like slim pickings in comparison.
Aside from Edouard, there’s no one in that team now who’d be guaranteed to get you double figures for the season.
I could understand Albian Ajeti not starting against Ferencvaros as he hasn’t played a lot of football but Patryk Klimala has been there since January and has had a full pre-season.
Yet an attacking midfielder in Ryan Christie started ahead of him. That’s a trust issue which is worrying.
Maybe the player doesn’t feel quite ready. But if I’m in his shoes, I’d have been into
Lennoxtown at dawn yesterday to ask the manager why I’m not getting a game.
You’d have to — there are no strikers playing in front of him.
Celtic will be devastated that they won’t have the opportunity to play in the Champions League but you can’t afford to dwell on it.
The bigger picture this season was always going to be winning the league.
Even this early in the season, I feel an opportunity has been wasted to stamp their authority in the transfer market by making some big-name signings.
Even before Wednesday’s game, the performances this season have been bang average.
At both Rugby Park and Tannadice, it was a long way from the kind of energetic, powerful team that should be winning games convincingly as it hunts down ten-in-a-row.
There’s been a growing concern for a number of years about the impact signings are making. There’s a worrying lack of competition and ambition.
I just don’t think they’ve spent their money as wisely as when John Park was there.
Yes, he messed up a few but he found some gems — Van Dijk, Fraser Forster, Victor Wanyama, Joe Lesley. Aside from Edouard, who’s come through the door recently who’s made a big impact? Christopher Jullien at £7m? I’m not convinced. Boli Bolingoli? Not good enough. Vasilis Barkas? I’ll need to see a bit more. Greg Taylor? I don’t think he’s European standard. Hatem Abd Elhamed — no. And Jeremie Frimpong is a kid.
Where’s the last one who you know will go for big money and will be a top player for as long as they are there?
The old guard — Brown, Callum McGregor and James Forrest — are having to keep the bandwagon going. You need two or three Edouards a season. Not one every three years.