Before Christmas, Joe Hart was upset that Santa was caught in the crossfire as Hearts gave Celtic a nightmare.
However, the Celtic Park star believes that the festive frustration has subsided, suggesting that this may perhaps be a joyful season. Hart sensed the seismic shift that was building at Parkhead on Saturday. Over the past several weeks, Celtic has gained momentum and reestablished a strong bond with its supporters. Hearts’ defeat on this trip to Glasgow’s East End brought it to a boil.
The head coaches of the hoops might want to consider asking Father Christmas to return so that the players might make atonement. If Celtics can continue to press all the way to the finish, Old Saint Nick might even be asked to present the Premiership trophy. “Obviously, I didn’t want Santa to be jeered that day,” Hart remarked. But damn right, we were jeered. Hearts put us to bed that day because we didn’t do well.
However, that does occur occasionally, therefore it’s critical that we’ve positioned ourselves well at the appropriate moment. We gave it everything we had on Saturday, and the outcome was what mattered. It was quite enjoyable to me. That’s the only way the atmosphere is when we play. Without our performance, they can only take us so far. We’ve positioned ourselves well lately, so it feels appropriate.
However, that is not an accident; it doesn’t happen often. It comes down to perseverance and the supporters understanding that we are in a war and are risking everything. It was an incredible environment to play in, and we truly appreciate them, but it can only happen if we put everything on the line when we perform. On Saturday, we were genuinely unified, and I thought it was great.
Fans in the stands felt the same way. Arguably the best performance of the season, the Celtics’ fan base rallied around them. Kyogo scored some excellent goals, Matt O’Riley masterfully managed the midfield, and Callum McGregor captained the team with distinction. Whether it was McGregor’s lung-busting 70-yard run back to make a critical tackle or O’Riley’s magnificent set up for the second, Celtic has both quality and passion in equal measure.
“Those are the two sides that we have,” Hart stated. All we have to do is keep expanding upon them. Daizen Maeda appeared as though he had been shot out of a cannon, despite the fact that his hamstring was supposed to be hanging off the bone.
“Oh my God, James Forrest is such a player. Amazing talent and an amazing individual to walk in and perform like that, like if it were his daily routine.
“Transfer windows, team operations and systems are what they are, but on the football pitch, you can’t buy presence or talent like that. I could name every single participant.
However, Maeda received special attention. The Japanese star, nor anybody else in attendance, will never forget the reaction he received when he walked off the bench only weeks after thinking his season was finished. Even the normally composed Maeda acknowledged being moved later on social media.
“Oh my,” Hart exclaimed. It was a very positive reception. We have a same objective, are unified and a part of something. You must not undervalue that emotion. It makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, but I don’t know Daizen since ice runs through his veins.
“I won’t tell lies. As a team, we were devastated to hear the same news because we assumed he would be out for the remainder of the campaign. He finished the game (against the Rangers), so it was harmless. We were unaware of the specifics of how and when it occurred because Daizen rarely speaks. But we must give them credit as a medical staff, as a team, and as individuals. It was really unique to be prepared to influence the game in addition to playing it.
Thus was Kyogo’s impressive finishing show, as his double brought his season total to 19 goals in a season where some have speculated he’s been struggling. Hart remarked, “That’s life. It displays the level he’s at.
“Doubters come only when you reach a certain level, and Kyogo has reached that level. I would position him so that when I look at him, I believe he will win the game for us.
That’s arguably the greatest recommendation you can make. I like to think of a striker as someone who will eventually win us the game, regardless of the situation or form they are in. Undoubtedly, Kyogo is among those players.
Hart is as well. The custodian is getting ready for his farewell tour, but it’s obvious he’s enjoying every final campaign. He’s also in excellent form, and although though Celtic won the game on the weekend, the crowd was nonetheless impressed by his incredible save of Cammy Devlin at 1-0.
Hart remarked, “I don’t know about a turning point; even if it had passed, I would still have supported us.” However, you never know, do you? You can only handle certainties, and I am confident that if I keep it out and we lead 1-0, the game will be won. We’ll often expand upon it. All I can do is uphold my half of the agreement. I’m not asked to do anything by the boys, so I would prefer to attend when I can.
And it appears like everyone is committed to doing their share, including the management, supporters, and players would prefer to attend when I can.
And it appears like everyone is committed to doing their share, including the management, supporters, and players.
