Joe Ledley, who has a deep understanding of Celtic’s high expectations, has been closely observing the team’s current season from Cardiff. He’s noticed the strain Brendan Rodgers’ squad is facing, having seen their lead in the Premiership evaporate, now trailing Rangers by two points with a dozen games left on the calendar.
However, the Welshman remains optimistic about Celtic’s chances to climb back to the top. He points out the crucial role of Rodgers’ recent acquisitions in embracing the relentless demand for victories, starting with the upcoming match against Motherwell.
“The dressing room is seasoned with players who know what it’s like to clinch titles and trophies. They’re no strangers to the intense demands of Celtic supporters,” Ledley told SunSport. He pointed out the necessity for the newcomers to grasp the gravity of their situation swiftly, as the team seems to be in a phase of adjustment.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Ledley recounted the highs and lows of his tenure with Celtic, from the disappointment of a lost league to the euphoria of a championship victory, stressing the importance of unity, composure, and belief amidst external criticism.
Despite the current challenges, Ledley praised Rodgers’ impressive track record with Celtic and expressed confidence in the team’s capabilities, highlighting the need for resilience and focus on immediate tasks.
The former midfielder also highlighted the pivotal role of team spirit, singling out Callum McGregor as an exemplary captain and James Forrest as a key figure in fostering a supportive and united locker room environment. He said: “Callum McGregor is a great captain, the right man for the job. He’s a tremendous player, too. “We had a tight dressing room. Everyone was involved in the banter. We’d do stuff together and when it really mattered we were a proper unit. “What’s going on now is a proper test of the dressing room spirit.
Joe revealed that he is surprised to see his old teammate James get the axe from Rodgers’ side. Not even in the squad nowadays, Joe revealed he finds it surprising.
“Guys like Callum can be invaluable, but there’s also James Forrest. He’s the one player who’s survived from my time and he’s a great lad.
“James hasn’t been playing, which is a surprise to me.”
As the season heads to its climax, Celtic faces the challenge of reversing their fortunes and demonstrating the kind of performance that has been scarce this year. Ledley’s insights serve as a reminder it can be done, but something has to change.
