Are we expecting too much from the Celtic players?

A 0-0 draw with Aberdeen at home was not the result Celtic fans were hoping for on Saturday. Interim manager Neil Lennon afterwards claimed the players were “psychologically fatigued”, which was the reason for the below-par performance.

Lennon has experience with mental issues and knows more than most about being affected by matters of the head. He does not know the players that well yet, despite managing a handful of the squad during his first term in charge.

Many fans have made comments online after the result about a poor performance and that Lennon should not be given the job in the summer, on the basis of the just this one game. Slightly harsh you could say.

Perhaps the result between Hibs and Rangers the previous evening affected the players? Knowing that the games were running out for their closest rivals, could have caused some to drop their levels subconsciously.

Looking at the situation from a human element is something which fans and online commentators should perhaps consider. No one, absolutely no one, saw Brendan Rodgers leaving in the manner he did let alone the players. They were landed in a situation that they were not expecting, let us not forget the now Leicester manager enjoyed huge success and had a very tight-knit group of players at his disposal.

How are they supposed to deal with this? Yes, the club acted swiftly and brought in a manager they would all have been familiar with, even if most of them didn’t know him that well.

Saturday’s disappointing display was just that, disappointing, but not in any way should it be considered one which will be the stamp of how the team will play between now and the end of the season. Lennon will be able to welcome back key players like Tom Rogic, Calum McGregor, Ryan Christie and Olivier Nthcam in the coming weeks – a full midfield and a strong one at that.

The new manager has a strong squad, and they have shown true heart and determination in their three games since he came back into the fold. They are eight points clear still and in the Scottish Cup semi-final.

There is no need to worry about one slack game surely?

Time for strong minds and strong leadership.