Former Celtic player John Hartson did not mince words, describing the club’s back four as a “disgrace” after the defeat at Kilmarnock at the weekend.
The match saw Celtic start positively, taking the lead early on after a few chances were squandered. But their performance deteriorated drastically in the second half, leading to a frustrating loss.
With Cameron Carter-Vickers injured, Nat Phillips, on loan from Liverpool, was included in the starting lineup. His own goal contributed to Kilmarnock’s comeback.
Hartson emphasised the high expectations at a club like Celtic on Go Radio, where winning is not just desired but expected every week.
He said, “They have to get the mentality right.
“You are at a global club that you have to win every single week – at Celtic, you can’t lose.
“You have to win every single game and your performance, and the way that Celtic went down, they capitulated in that second half. I didn’t see much desire. I never saw people pointing the finger at each other.
“I thought the back four were a disgrace, at times. I really, really did. They have got to do better. They were weak. They got bullied. That’s not a Celtic back four.”
The back four was made up of Alistair Johnston, Nat Phillips, Liam Scales and Greg Taylor.
As Celtic prepares for their Champions League match against Feyenoord, there is more at stake than just points. The team needs to show a strong response to their setbacks in recent weeks, both to regain confidence and to end a 16-game winless run in Europe. Securing a victory could also have financial benefits, with nearly £2.5m in prize money at play.
