Kris Commons and Neil Lennon were in agreement over Celtic’s defeat yesterday- Motherwell were the hungrier side.
From the opening minute when Charlie Mulgrew’s fresh air challenge on Chris Humphrey gave the midfielder a strike on goal through to Daniel Majstorovic’s injury time booking there was something lacking in the Celtic performance.
The game was like a scary flashback to last season’s Scottish Cup defeat from Ross County where nothing was happening on the pitch and no-one seened capable of changing things.
Other than a brief period before half time when Anthony Stokes had a shot blocked and a Scott Brown effort struck the post there was no reaction or pressure imposed on the home team.
By Wednesday night the garden could be looking rosy again should Celtic beat Rangers in the Scottish Cup but after the high fives of training at Lennoxtown last week the next few days will be very demanding.
“Motherwell exploited our weakness, and they were hungrier for the match,” Commons said. “They wanted it more than us today.”
It was a theme picked up on by Lennon as well, he said: “We were second best. It’s a criticism I can’t level at the team very often, but Motherwell were the hungrier team.”
The hunger question- and many more- will be asked against Rangers on Wednesday.
Ability is something that is generally taken for granted in footballers- attitude, commitment and hunger qualities that can’t be coached.
After a 17 match unbeaten run including two convincing wins and a draw against Rangers the ability of the current Celtic side can’t be questioned.
Responding to yesterday’s defeat, dealing with two suspensions and the possible absence of a recognised right-back will test the resolve of the team and management.
Commons has quickly embraced the demands of playing for Celtic and is confident that his new team mates have the DNA to answer the doubters on Wednesday.
He added: “This setback could prove a good thing for us, but as long as we win on Wednesday.
“We’ve got to concentrate on what we’ve got to do, we’ve got training tomorrow to get this out of our system quickly.
“It’s an ideal game on Wednesday for us to go into and change everything that happened today. In football when you have a defeat, especially one that’s hard to take, the best thing to do is play as soon as possible.
“We’ve got the chance to play against our big rivals on Wednesday night at our place. So we’ll be well fired up for that. It’s a great game to have to try and put this to the back of our mind.”
Majstorovic picks up suspension
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Couldn’t change things? No suprise with two centre halfs on the bench. It was obvious Forrest would never make any impact with the state of the pitch. Fine, criticise a team that failed to come up to scratch but have a good look in the mirror too, Lenny.
Joe remember what I said dont blame Mulgrew,
You and Ronnie tried to say calm down 1st corner 2nd half goal came from corner
enough said
I’d blame both of them for the first goal, difficult to apportion the blame so I’ll take your professional opinion John.
Similar to Birmingham’s winner the defender could have belted the ball into Row Z
That might show a lack of confidence in the keeper but would have prevented a goal.
The Motherwell chance that hit the bar was more worrying. With Forster’s size no opponent should be getting a free header in from within 6 yards.
Zaluska will be in on Wednesday and will need to get an instant understanding with the central defenders.
why blame the pitch erm the two teams were playing on it well one was the other posted missing world class celtic did lemmon say …….dont think so fail fail
We cant blame the manager he has been fantastic, the defenders were the problem and the pitch didn’t help either.
There are no excuses Motherwell were the better team even thoough the two teams were playing on it Motherwell would be used to it as it their home pitch.
I think we have thrown away the league now, we just hope Rangers get beat before we get them at Ibrox
Truespew,
F*ck off. Who’s blaming the pitch bitch?
Amazing. They all slide out from under their rocks after a week of hiding to indulge in their favourite hobby – smug gloating.
Why did I even bother replying to the pathetic fecker?