Celtic’s Problem is Complacency, not Stage Fright

The Celtic Star

·17. März 2025

Celtic’s Problem is Complacency, not Stage Fright

Forget this nonsense of big game stage fright. We’ve proved we can do it when it matters. Celtic’s problem is complacency…

Hamza Igamane of theRangers scores his team’s third goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and theRangers at Celtic Park on March 16, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

There’s been accusations levelled on social media at our manager and players that they suffer from some sort of ‘stage fright’ when it comes to the big games, as the post mortem continues from another Glasgow Derby calamity, the second in 2025.

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A dreadful Celtic performance

Whilst it’s healthy and well within our rights to criticise the performance yesterday just like we did back in January, some of that criticism is way over the top. Some of the comments have made me chuckle quite a bit, and have slightly eased the pain I endured from yesterday’s dreadful Celtic performance.

Some folk have let themselves get carried away and have swayed from the topic that was the performance in the actual game, by questioning our attitude and character when it comes to these fixtures.

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Barry Ferguson, Interim Manager of theRangers, celebrates with backroom staff after Mohamed Diomande scored the team’s second goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and theRangers at Celtic Park on March 16, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Yes, I admit we have looked disheveled and disheartened in the last two fixtures, even in the League Cup final win we looked under par. But that day back in December we highlighted our character and ability as we prevailed and won the game in a pressure filled situation, a trait we have proved we possess in abundance these past few years.

Last season is a good example

Last season is a fine example. At this point last season we were trailing theRangers who were firm favourites to win the title. What do we do? We went on a winning run drawing which included a vital draw at Ibrox, beating them at home and then finishing the season by triumphing over them at Hampden as we won the Scottish Cup to secure the double.

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Brendan Rodgers, Manager of Celtic, looks on prior to the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and theRangers at Celtic Park on March 16, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Does that sound like a manager and squad afraid of a challenge? No it certainly does not. We have more than proved our mettle when it matters, our problem is complacency when we are too far ahead. Something we need to quickly sort out.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books. Photo: The Celtic Star.