The strange demise of Stefan Johansen
One of the many mysteries of the current season has been the demise of Stefan Johansen.
Twelve months ago he was enjoying a purple patch as a forceful midfielder that went the extra mile and enjoyed nothing more than chasing into the penalty box and sticking the ball in the net.
Entering 2016 the goals have gone, the drive seems missing and most of the ills of the current regime are being put on his shoulders.
As the player most closely associated with an under fire manager Johansen is the butt of the unrest felt by many supporters.
Towards the end of last season the Norwegian seemed like becoming the most likely transfer target after Virgil van Dijk completed his departure. News today that there are 18 months left on his contract are unlikely to set off any alarms among a support split between apathy and frustration.
“We know the fans were anxious but you always have to try and block that out,” Johansen said after Saturday’s win over Partick Thistle.
“Of course they want us to win, and to win by ten goals, but sometimes it’s hard. Thistle have been good recently and they are hard to play against.
“They defended very well and we just had to do our best. It wasn’t our best performance, but the character to come back and win is important.
“I think things will get better. Of course there are high expectations at Celtic but that’s part of the job.
“When results don’t go the right way people start to ask questions and, again, that’s how it is at a club like Celtic.”
In isolation Saturday’s win would be a reason to celebrate. Overcoming some very debatable refereeing decisions, snatching a win at the death with ten men would be acknowledged as signs of a team showing great resolve.
On the back of a home draw with Kilmarnock, defeat to Motherwell and a winless Europa League campaign it was just another miserable 90 minutes for most fans.
Examining his own form Johansen added: “I know I’ve not played my best football this season, but often I’m the one who puts the most pressure on myself.
“I know when I’m playing good football and when I’m playing badly. It’s up to me to do the right thing to get back to my best.
“I felt very good after the last international break. My head was spinning, after coming here from Norway and playing so many games, which is new for me.
“It’s quite easy sometimes to say ‘everything is OK’, but when the form starts dropping . . .
“After that break I was able to reflect on things. I pushed football away and could see things that I didn’t see every day when you’re in the middle of it all.
“It was good for me and, if I’m being honest, it helped and it will help in the long term.”
The long term starts at Stranraer on Sunday, within the next month Celtic have a League Cup semi-final against Ross County and a trip to Pittodrie to negotiate.
No-one is looking for 10-0 victories but an improvement on the recent lifeless performances is essential if frustration and apathy aren’t to take over.