Where's the hunger?

I'm writing this in the Parkhead Bus Park and I'm thoroughly pissed off. Another 3 points but another torrid afternoon at Parkhead. We seem to have just been ambling along for the season so far, the style of play from last year seems like a lifetime ago. It's the same players, same management team. So whats the difference, players that were dynamic, hungry and would've run through a brick wall for the cause are lethargic and especially at Celtic Park look afraid sometimes. In the majority of games this season it's almost like apathy has seeped into the squad, like all they need to do is turn up for the 3 points. I've already said my peace on our defence as it's pretty obvious what their deficiencies are. For me the contrast in our midfield is alarming.

Last season at different points in the campaign Ki and Kayal played huge parts in our midfield dominance in big games, however the ever present in those big games was Joe Ledley. This year Ledley has been sacrificed in different positions to accommodate Ki and Kayal, even when Kayal has been off form or Ki has under performed. There is a lack of creativity in this midfield, we look like going back to 100 passes along the middle and then back to the centre half for a pointless punt up front. I can't remember when we scored from a cross into the box, every ball goes into the striker's feet with his back to goal. We have become predictable and slow in our build allowing teams to get men behind the ball.

The one time we played the ball quickly and crisply today we tore Aberdeen apart and scored a good goal. Straight after we scored we resorted to the slow build and played as if we were at Lennoxtown, and only came to life when the Dons equalised. I've got to ask the question, Is the hunger still there? Do the players think the games are going to be easy? Are players believing their own hype? All I know is there is a marked difference in some players attitude compared to last year. There must be a change in attitude if we are going to win the league, because on recent evidence we look like we could drop points in every game. For a Celtic team that is in my opinion is the worst crime you can commit, guys going through motions is a sure way to drive away the linters they worked so hard to get back into Parkhead.

I never like to be thus pessimistic when talking about The Hoops but I feel we have to turn the corner quickly to salvage our season. Can we win the league of course we can but it's up to the players, we've backed them up so far. The fans never stopped today, the turn out at Rennes was astounding and even at Kilmarnock at 3 nil down we were spurting them on. I just think some players ( I'll let you guys guess who im talking about) need to step up and repay the faith shown to them by the manager and fans alike.

Here's hoping for a turnaround.

Always Faithful Hail Hail.