Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers has spoken openly about the Hoops’ recent struggles against Rangers, as the Hoops were defeated 3-2 at Celtic Park in the latest Glasgow Derby.
A Frustrating Pattern Against Rangers
When asked about the nine goals conceded in the last three derbies, Carter-Vickers didn’t shy away from admitting that it’s a concern. “Yeah, I think so. It’s definitely frustrating,” he said: (The Herald). “They kind of create chances without having too much possession. They wait for us to make a mistake and then pounce on it and go from there.”
The Third Goal: A Moment of Misfortune
Reflecting on the third and decisive goal, Carter-Vickers explained the sequence that led to the final blow. “The third goal was just over my head. I followed (Cyriel) Dessers in and it went over our heads, and I wasn’t sure what happened. I think Ali (Johnston) might have slipped when he went to clear it.”
The ball ricocheted back into Igamane’s path, who then finished to give Rangers the victory. Despite the misfortune of the goal, Carter-Vickers remained confident in his belief that the team must stay focused and keep pushing.
No Let-Up in Celtic’s Ambition
Despite the disappointment, Carter-Vickers was keen to emphasise that the players haven’t taken their foot off the gas. “We wanted to do that before this game,” he said, referring to the goal of finishing the season with a strong performance and completing a treble. “After this game, we want to do the same.”
Celtic have a comfortable lead at the top of the Premiership, and Carter-Vickers remains determined to ensure the team doesn’t let the loss derail their ambitions. “We definitely want to continue until the end of the season,” he said, acknowledging that while the performance wasn’t good enough, the team still has a lot to play for.
A Call for Improvement
Carter-Vickers was honest about the team’s shortcomings in the defeat, saying, “Our performance today was not good enough, and we’ve got to improve.” He also pointed out that while the team has a healthy points lead, they cannot afford to lose focus. “We never want to lose, and we always go out there to try and win and perform well,” he added.
The defender noted that Celtic’s failure to control the ball in the opening stages led to Rangers’ counter-attacking opportunities, and although they improved in the second half, the team ultimately fell short in winning the game.
Looking Forward to the Final Stretch
Despite the loss, Carter-Vickers is adamant that the team can bounce back and finish the season on a high. “We want to be as many points ahead as you can be,” he said. “But we want to add to that if anything.”
Celtic will now look to put this defeat behind them as they focus on their remaining games, aiming to secure the Premiership title and a Scottish Cup win to cap off a domestic treble. With the team’s resilience and character, Carter-Vickers and his teammates will be keen to learn from this setback and finish the season in style.
