For Celtic, the season has been peculiar. Maybe that’s how things were always supposed to be.
Ange Postecoglou had become a totemic figure at the Bhoys in just two years, and whoever took over for him at Tottenham Hotspur was sure to bring about a difficult period of adjustment for Celtic.
Although Brendan Rodgers had previously had success in Scotland, even he has had difficulty shedding the legacy of the rock-and-roll football that Celtic supporters relished so much under the Australian manager.
Even though they led the Scottish Premiership for a significant portion of the season, there have been some dissatisfaction among the supporters ever since Ange left, for a variety of reasons both on and off the field.
Rangers eventually overtook the Bhoys, as we all know, and that was the Celtic team’s “sink or swim” moment. Fortunately, they have performed admirably as the runners-up.
With Dundee destroyed, Celtic now has to break hearts
The 7-1 victory over Dundee on Wednesday night was a clear declaration of intent.
In addition to having the potential to be a significant score in terms of goal differential from the Ibrox squad, the way the team defeated the Dees in the first half was an exciting moment that hasn’t happened too frequently this season.
It is exactly what the fans needed to see—a strong performance from these players under this manager’s direction that positions Celtic for a thrilling Premiership finale.
The team’s comeback against Motherwell in the second half last weekend and their thumping of the Taysiders midweek have given even the most pessimistic supporters cause for optimism.
This weekend’s trip to Tynecastle, which initially appeared daunting, has now given Adam Idah, Matt O’Riley, Callum McGregor, and the others another chance to prove that they are a formidable team that won’t be taken lightly.
On his media duties with Sky, however, Chris Sutton was correct. Nobody is allowed to overreact. The Bhoys must demonstrate consistency in both performance and output.
The supporters are with this team and will back them despite their current issues with the club. They need to react and seize this week as an inspiring opportunity to continue and achieve the results we know they are still capable of achieving.
That was demonstrated on Wednesday night. It’s time to move on with positivity and unity now.
