Celtic have to fight on amid their quest for the Scottish Premiership title and will be keen to snipe back at the doubters by defeating Motherwell this weekend.
Brendan Rodgers has remained calm in the face of pressure amid his side’s 1-1 draw at home to Kilmarnock last Saturday, claiming that he always expected delivering the league trophy wouldn’t come without his challenges.
He stated post-match: “I’m sure it will to and fro between now and the very last game. I’ve said before it was never going to be a procession. Every title is there to fight for, and we’re there to do that.”
Of course, supporters will want to see the Irishman put these words into practice against Motherwell at Fir Park in a fixture where the Bhoys could be five points behind before the action commences.
Nevertheless, claiming three points in North Lanarkshire may provide something to build on for a group of players who appear to lack confidence.
Title races can produce agony and ecstasy in equal measure; nevertheless, we can only control matters within our scope of influence.
Winning on Sunday would give everyone connected with the club a major lift after a tough few weeks, and Rodgers ought to take command of the situation to prove why he was enticed back to Parkhead.
Charlie Mulgrew issues defiant Celtic title message
Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew won no fewer than five Scottish Premiership crowns during his time at Parkhead, playing in numerous different positions under both Neil Lennon and Ronny Deila.
The ex-Scotland international responded defiantly when discussing the Bhoys’ chances of retaining the league title, though he did acknowledge his old club’s recent run of performances has left a lot to be desired.
Mulgrew stated [Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, 20/02]: “Celtic have been limping for a few games now; just before the winter break, they looked like they were in their stride and got a few results.
“Since then, they’ve just limped over the line, getting results at home to Ross County 1-0, and you thought it was going to happen at the weekend; Kilmarnock happened to score, and Rangers just seem to have a bit of confidence with their new manager.”
He later added: “There’s a long, long way to go, and there’s still an Old Firm game to come up before the split; title races are never won in February.”
Celtic are in sink-or-swim territory and need to elevate their levels on the pitch; nevertheless, they still have the comfort blanket of two Glasgow Derby showdowns, which could provide an avenue to wrestle back control at the summit.
Rodgers knows from his time here before that the narrative can change at the drop of a hat, signifying he needs to keep plugging away in the hope a shift in momentum will occur.
With the prospect of a league and cup double remaining on the horizon, Celtic are far from beaten in their attempts to add more silverware to the Parkhead trophy room.