The Hoops slumped eight points behind runaway leaders Hearts and Mjallby warned the champions have to turn things around quickly
Celtic legend Johan Mjallby
Johan Mjallby admits he’s worried about Celtic’s downfall this season – and reckons the club lacks leaders.
The former Hoops defender and coach watched Brendan Rodgers’ misfiring side crumble to a damaging 3-1 defeat at Tynecastle on Sunday.
And Mjallby believes too many players are ducking responsibility by leaving skipper Callum McGregor as the only real figurehead in the team.
The Swedish legend – who was Neil Lennon’s No2 at Parkhead – is also alarmed at the faltering champions’ lack of ruthlessness in front of goal.
And while Rodgers was at pains to point out there’s still a long way to go after falling eight points behind Hearts, Mjallby warned five-in-a-row could slip away from Celts unless they get their act together quickly.
He told the Scottish Football Social Club: “It’s a slight concern.
“If we disregard the unrest from supporters and look at what’s happening on the park, you are getting used to seeing the same things now.
“A really slow tempo, the passing’s not good enough, not enough leaders on the pitch. Callum McGregor needs help. He needs some of the other guys to step up as well.
“What is really concerning me is that in nine league games, a Celtic side has never scored only 12 goals. Celtic is always a possession-dominating team. They have to score more goals.
“Yes, you excuse yourselves about injuries to key players but the Celtic squad should be great enough to deal with these injuries anyway.
“So I am concerned to a certain degree, I am. Even if I agree with Brendan Rodgers that it’s only nine games in – but they need to get going now.
“The worry is that the performances have not been good enough. I thought against Sturm Graz they were okay, especially the second-half.”
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