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According to Joe Ledley, Celtic merely need to maintain their composure and keep going since their two key issues will eventually be resolved.
The Hoops, who seemed like champions elect a few months ago when Michael Beale was handed his jotters, now have to fight to keep the title after giving up a seven-point lead against the Rangers. Fans have grown dissatisfied with Brendan Rodgers’ dismal transfer record and lack of board investment as his second tenure hasn’t gone as planned.
However, ledley thinks that some of the newer additions who haven’t yet made an impact, like Maik Nawrocki and Nicolas Kuhn, may eventually make an impression after having an opportunity to catch up. It also doesn’t hurt to have seasoned experts like James Forrest and Callum McGregor on staff who have seen it all.
“A lot of the players in the dressing room have plenty of experience,” stated the former Parkhead midfielder. In recent years, they have been winning cups and crowns. They understand the expectations of the supporters and the strain of representing Celtic. However, a handful of new players now need to fully comprehend the team’s current situation.
Some appear to still be attempting to adjust. However, in order to figure out why things haven’t been working out, everyone in the dressing room needs to get together right now and work things out.
“You need to remain composed. I have firsthand experience with and knowledge of the surroundings across the street. In my first season, we were definitely supposed to win the league, but we ended up losing. My eyes were really opened to the feelings of those present when things don’t go according to plan.
“But after a few challenging games the following season, we won, and that’s when I realized there was another side to this, the pure happiness of Celtic supporters.”
This season, Celtic has brought on 11 new players in total, although only Paulo Bernardo and Luis Palma have established themselves as mainstays in the starting lineup. Ledley believes Rodgers hasn’t got his team on the field yet, despite a pretty significant recruitment effort.
“The current squad needs to stay focused, stay composed, and don’t lose belief,” he stated. I am aware that there will be a lot of people outside at this time saying all kinds of things, being really critical, and increasing the pressure.
It is imperative that the athletes prevent any of that from entering the locker room. Right now, it’s about taking things game by game. The fans are angry that there have been no transfer windows, that players haven’t arrived, and that there hasn’t been any squad expansion. However, Brendan Rodgers’ track record at Celtic is impressive; he has accomplished a lot.
“It’s probably not the team he wants right now, and perhaps there will be other transfer windows in the future to add more players. Brendan can still do this, though. Even if it’s tough right now, Celtic is still very much in the hunt and, in my opinion, has the superior team on paper. However, the goal is to move past this current setback.