Joe Hart is someone who will know all about the Celtic Park atmosphere and the effect that it can have on the team. He was not only part of a winning team but the Ange Postecoglou era as well, went Parkhead was rocking on the big nights. Unfortunately, it feels like it has been a while since we have witnessed that.
Of course, the results and the level of performance have had an effect on that. But one can feel a certain apathy as well, as the fans are dissatisfied with how the club has been run by the board in recent times.
The silent protest might have been called off for the SC Braga game after the club decided to schedule a meeting with the supporters. But that does not mean that the Parkhead atmosphere was great on the night.
And Hart seems to believe that it is having an effect on some of the players, who are not ready to deal with that kind of atmosphere. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, the former Celtic goalkeeper said while speaking on TNT Sports:
"You can just sense it with the way that Celtic are playing. The flat atmosphere is very unlike Celtic Park.
“But as a player, sometimes you can’t rely on that. It’s not about how many fans are in the stadium. You’ve got to step up, wear the jersey with pride and say ‘give me the ball.’
“You’re paid as a professional to emotionally zone out. And these guys are good enough to do that, the best ones do it.
“But you just feel that kind of unrest sometimes when it’s not going so well. The moans and groans, you can see them affecting certain players. Not everyone’s built for that. Not everyone can play through that pain."
Joe Hart makes worrying claim about Celtic Park atmosphere
Well, it is only natural for players to get affected by the atmosphere, especially those who are not used to it. Now, it remains to be seen where things go from here.
Unless the results and the performances improve, it is hard to see things take a turn for the positive. The Hoops are neither winning nor producing displays worth getting excited about. Now, it remains to be seen if the Celtic players can turn things around over the coming weeks.
Of course, there is no doubt that Brendan Rodgers has not been dealt the best hand by the club with how the summer transfer window was handled. That being said, at some point, the players and the coaching team need to take some responsibility after producing one underwhelming display after another.