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Celtic fans are asking “Do we have a problem here?” Maybe. Maybe not.

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Image for Celtic fans are asking “Do we have a problem here?” Maybe. Maybe not.

There are certain questions that football fans feel almost compelled to ask when things go slightly off the rails. One of those is: do we have a real problem here, or is this just something we’re blowing out of proportion? For all intents and purposes, this season has been a major success so far. But we’re approaching a critical juncture that will define it in many ways.

For a start, we’ve got the Champions League game against Young Boys coming up. We need to win that. There’s no other option on the table if we want to guarantee qualification for the next round. It’s at home, where we’ve been stellar, but nothing less than three points will suffice. Most of us were relatively unconcerned about that game before the trip to Ibrox and, more recently, the Dundee match the other night. Now, if not outright concerned, there’s a certain wariness.

We’re not as confident about that game as we would have been but for conceding six goals in two matches. Granted, those games weren’t back-to-back, but we’ve flirted dangerously close to the edge more than a few times this season. In the game against Aberdeen at Celtic Park, for example, they came back from 2-0 down at halftime to level at 2-2 and had the ball in the net for a third time, only for it to be disallowed. We were lucky that day. And we were lucky again on Tuesday night.

It’s in the little things, but little things might be signs of bigger issues. Only a very arrogant or very foolish team ignores that possibility. I’m not saying we have a real problem. I’m saying we might have one. And if we do, it’s up to everyone at Celtic Park to tackle it quickly. I don’t know if it’s a playing style issue or a personnel issue, but the result at Ibrox could have been seen in a different light if not for Tuesday’s dire display, particularly that second half where we ran around like headless chickens.

Nobody’s making excuses for what happened at Ibrox, nor should they. That performance was unacceptable. But it’s easier to write off a bad day at the office when it’s a one-off. This isn’t a one-off. Against Aberdeen at Celtic Park, we could easily have lost the game. On Tuesday night, we were fortunate to get a point.

There are signs that when teams really press us, we don’t handle it as well as we should. There are signs that if a team decides to have a go at us, they can hurt us. Young Boys have nothing to lose coming to Celtic Park. They’re out of the tournament, but £2.5 million in prize money and the chance to spoil someone else’s day is strong motivation for a side with no pressure.

Likewise, under normal circumstances, you wouldn’t expect Kilmarnock to cause too much trouble in a cup game. But cup games are where teams like Kilmarnock are most dangerous. They proved that last season when they knocked us out of the League Cup. Again, these are winner-takes-all occasions. As I wrote last night about the Union Brats, it’s a zero-sum game.

These two matches are huge, and a month ago nobody would have felt this nervous about them. When you look at the league table and see our lead, and you consider that that we’ve already claimed our first domestic trophy of the season and have nine points from our Champions League group games, that should be the sign of a team where everything is healthy, rosy, and fine. But is it?

The best thing we can do as fans is admit there are troubling signs, especially in the last few weeks. We’ve dropped points in three of our last four away league games. That’s uncomfortably similar to the kind of form we associate with the floundering team on the other side of the city.

Equally, we have to remember—as all football fans know—that every club goes through spells where they look a little ragged and a little rattled. Even with our squad rotation system working beautifully to keep players fit and reduce injuries, there are limitations.

Firstly, some players, like Callum McGregor, get very little rest. Secondly, even with rotation, players are still being asked to play three times a week. Whether they play the full 90 minutes or not, that’s a significant strain, compounded by training and everything else. Without a winter break, fatigue is inevitable.

It’s easy to point out that our opponents face similar challenges, but that’s not entirely true. Throughout November and early December, we had Champions League fixtures. The only other clubs in Scotland with comparable schedules were Hearts and the Ibrox club, and both struggled to cope. On top of that, we’ve been successful in domestic cup competitions. Both we and the Ibrox club reached the League Cup final, adding another fixture to an already packed calendar.

For most teams in this league, there’s a week between games. We don’t have that luxury. We go into every weekend knowing there’s a midweek fixture just days later. That’s physically and mentally draining, no matter how well the team is performing or how many games we’re winning. It’s impossible for any side playing that many matches to sustain the sparkling football with which we dominated earlier in the season.

Be honest—if you’re a fan who attends every game, home and away, don’t you feel worn out by this relentless overload of football? I can’t recall playing so many matches over November and December. January has started with even more, and there are still plenty to come. It’s entirely possible that there’s no deeper issue here—just a squad of players who are simply done in.

The decision by the league not to implement a winter break is a travesty on the face of it. That said, I understand the reasoning: with so many European games, there’s little room to pause. But this isn’t just our problem. Clubs and managers across Europe are raising the same complaints. Fatigue isn’t something any team can avoid, and it won’t disappear anytime soon.

Looking ahead, the situation doesn’t get easier. We’re staring at another packed season next year, including Champions League qualifiers just to reach the group stage. That in itself feels soul-crushing—it demands an earlier start to the summer, accelerates transfer business, and requires us to be in peak condition right from the off. And let’s not forget, those qualifiers mean two additional games in a schedule that’s already crammed to bursting.

The only consolation—and it’s a small one—is that there’s no international tournament this summer. That means some of our players will finally get a proper break, something they’ll desperately need after this gruelling campaign.

But this isn’t a problem that’s going to vanish quickly or resolve itself easily. So, while I feel some nervousness and concern after yet another lacklustre performance this month, I’m prepared to cut the manager and players some slack for now. You might have gathered that from my recent pieces.

The next two games, however, are critical.

Kilmarnock and Young Boys. The former keeps the treble dream alive; the latter ensures we progress in Europe. Of course, success in Europe adds two more games to the pile—but we’ll deal with that when the time comes. For now, we can be thankful for the decent lead we’ve built in the league.

That, however, depends on how we perform in the next couple of away matches. Nothing is ever straightforward, and the more successful you are, the harder it becomes.

It’s easy to say, “Take it one game at a time,” but the reality is that the fixture list is relentless. If simply looking at the schedule exhausts you, imagine how the players must feel actually playing these games.

The other night we released our latest podcast episode. In light of events across town we called it Sack The Board! Please check it out and share it if you enjoy it! Help us grow and get even better!

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10 comments

  • RefMartin says:

    Our fixture list is packed. And, it should be noted, quite in contrast to Young Boys.

    Why the SPFL have it so packed from mid November to mid February I cannot fathom. There are other months to the season, and we could quite easily prolong our season (permanently for all clubs) by a week or so. The added CL fixtures have a huge impact on scheduling (and the transfer window, which will doubtless need revised now) but it hasn’t come about overnight.

  • Jay says:

    Totally agree James, the fixture list is ridiculous this season, although I have to say I am glad the winter break was abandoned.
    Yes it would benefit us to have the break but it made January the longest month with basically nothing happening.
    For me I think the SFA have to be partly responsible. We haven’t had more than 3 days between a game since the Dundee united game after the league cup final.
    There is no reason the SFA had to place the rearranged fixture into this month. If they waited until the start of February there is a 13 day gap between 2 fixtures. Now I assume the next round of the Scottish cup is going to slot in there but even so adding a 3rd game into a 2 week window is far better for player welfare than cramming it in to the already packed December/January period.

    • Jay says:

      I also don’t think we are in a crisis but complacency has slipped into a degree. Injuries to key players like Kuhn, Maeda, CCV & AJ through the busy period hasn’t helped either. Even though none have been out for significant periods I think it still disrupts the flow of the team.
      I can see Saturday going one of two ways. We will either turn them over like we done near the end of last season or it’s going to be another cagey affair where we dominate possession but don’t capitalize on it. Lets hope players like Kuhn are fit to start the game & we can dispatch them easier. Would be a good opportunity to give Kenny a run out for 30/40 minutes if we are comfortable in the game too.

  • SaigonCSC says:

    The team and fans have had an eye (consciously and subconsciously) on Young Boys for about a month or so, as we know the league is done (wether we admit it or not). That along with the heavy game schedule has had a big effect on performances in my opinion.

    The fans need get behind the team, show patience, trust the manager and not react to the media.

    All this nonsense I read online looking for fall guys like Idah, Yang and even Cal is typical of reactionary and entitled fans.

    Now is the time we need real support to get us through this critical time of the season. We do that then we will get the rewards of a brilliant season. HH

  • sammy67 says:

    You praise the squad rotation and the resting of players which is something I agree with especially as Celtic have a big squad. What I do have a problem with that it is only certain players that are rotated and others play 90 minutes every game e.g. McGregor, CCV, AJ etc. so t is not a full squad rotation and these players are never rested. Maybe time to look at resting some of them.

  • Dan says:

    Celtic are in a no win situation. Because of the now absolutely massive financial advantage we have over the rest of the league, Celtic are expected to win the trophies, I suppose that will always result in an inquest if we do not beat sides who cannot pay their team as much as one of our highest earners, but big favourites can always lose or draw games. I hear the term spoiled aimed at the fans but that works both ways, Celtic FC are a bit spoiled when 60,000 fans pack into Celtic Park every game for games where the opposition will park the bus which can result in not the most entertaining contests to watch. Big season ticket waiting list as well. Financial success will always bring big expectation. Celtic are not holding up their end of the bargain for European ambition in my opinion

  • Gerry says:

    At busy scheduling times like these, fans have to show some realism, and even a bit more understanding towards our players!

    Footballers, despite their huge financial earnings, are human beings, and although it would be wonderful to see flawless performances and boundless energy every game, it is not always possible.

    I am not in the least bit worried about the drop off in recent performances, as it can and does happen.
    Our outstanding form and displays, in the early part of this season, have put us in the fantastic position, we presently find ourselves in.

    Undoubtedly, the next game is always the most important one, and we have to negotiate this Scottish Cup tie, with a confident victory, and hopefully, no fresh injury worries!
    Only after this game is out of the way, can we then turn our focus and energy towards the Young Boys tie in the CL.

    It will be interesting to see how we both perform and line up this Saturday, but I’m confident we shall be fine.

    A few fresh faces in our squad would be a wonderful and timely boost for everyone connected to our club, but we are also used to, and fully aware, of our board’s tardiness, when a transfer window is open !
    Here’s to a good win and great support ( as always) this Saturday! HH

  • Brattbakk says:

    I generally don’t have much sympathy for professional footballers, it’s part of the managers job to keep them fresh and winning but I do have sympathy for the attending fans who do it out of love and loyalty even when it’s unrewarding and gruelling.
    We need an attacking player in January just to give the team a boost even if it’s a loan

  • Pilgrim73 says:

    The Gold Cup is being played this summer which means CCV, Trusty and Johnston might all be involved.

    • Clachnacuddin and the Hoops says:

      It never stops if you have globetrotters from all over the world as players…

      This tournament and The Asian Cup last year, The World Cup next year – On it goes !

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