A year ago Jeremie Frimpong was a pin up of the Celtic support. His introduction to the team was a real tonic to go alongside his bright, upbeat personality, captured by his Oh My Days reaction to winning the League Cup in December.
His January departure was a blow but grudgingly accepted but yesterday out of nowhere he appeared in the media with the apparent aim of deflecting blame away from Celtic’s disastrous season. Neil Lennon might disagree but many would describe it as unmitigated.
It seems that from the former manager downwards a blame culture has emerged that absolves the players and management from any responsibility for the worst league campaign in 21 years.
Celtic had five months to prepare for the current season, bolstered by nine consecutive title wins and 11 domestic trophy successes.
What followed, a complete collapse, now seems to be down to the lack of fans attending matches alongside criticism from fans on Social Media.
From August Lennon informed us that players wanted away, new signings Albian Ajeti and Vasilis Barkas made next to no impression while the least said about loan signings Shane Duffy and Diego Laxalt the better.
The team has barely managed to put in a full 90 minutes performance despite the facilities of Lennoxtown, a pre-season trip to France and sunshine break in Dubai. For added benefit they can call on five substitutes.
Had the challenge gone to the last couple of matches supporters might have been a little more forgiving. It wasn’t. On January 2 it was as good as over despite the manager, chairman, CEO and Board of Directors being in denial and allowing a further 12 post Dubai points to be dropped before the manager resigned.
After home matches against Ross County and Dundee there were fans protesting outside Celtic Park, a demonstration before the December match a home to Kilmarnock turned into a show of support for the team who were also welcomed back to Celtic Park after beatig Hearts to win the Scottish Cup.
If any more soon to depart players wish to retain some legacy and respect from fans they should think twice before following the Frimpong script of blaming the folk that pay their wages for chronic failings inside the club.
If you wanted proof that players in the squad didn’t have a clue how big this season was then this oh my days level of car crash interview from Jeremie Frimpong sums it up perfectly. https://t.co/6qdVPPtUXX
— 4 Tims and a Podcast (@PodTims) March 1, 2021
Don’t know what’s worse, the remarks or the patronising way it’s said.
Most of us were understanding defeat before he was a twinkle!
— Alex (@realex_8) March 1, 2021
One of the biggest problems this season seems to be that the players didn’t understand the importance of it.
But for me it was up to Lennon and the management team to make sure beyond doubt that the squad knew the significance. Frimpong clearly doesn’t. How many others don’t? https://t.co/6f9G3oF7ZX
— Natasha (@natashameikle) March 1, 2021
All started with the manager – said a few times it wasn’t a bad season, can’t win everything etc – ruined from the top
— Pol MacFhionnghaile ????????? (@mcginleybhoy) March 1, 2021
Our own players buying into the narrative that fans are throwing the toys out this because we lost, as if we’ve not been angry with the board for years is so infuriating
— Aaron (@Knoxy2000_) March 1, 2021
Nobody gets the 10 in a row unless you are us or them and have grown up in the west of Scotland, outside that in football they are all clueless to why we rage!
— KBFB67 (@tellallthehuns) March 1, 2021
Lennon had a full season to get them prepared for how big 10 was. He then had a full 5 months break to get them prepared. He failed in almost every single department
— Celtic OK (@CelticOK) March 1, 2021
alongside a manager who was clueless no wonder this season of all seasons was a shambles ……
— Gerry H (@miamibhoy) March 1, 2021