Celtic midfielder Benjamin Nygren knows exactly why supporters are angry, and after another flat showing at Tannadice, there is little argument to be had.
Martin O’Neill’s side went down 2-0 to Dundee United at the weekend. A result that felt damaging before a ball was even kicked, given how little room for error there is at this stage.
The performance made it worse.
Nygren started and, like too many this season, fell short. There was no grip on the game, no real response once they went behind, and no sense this group can be trusted when it matters.
Off the pitch, the mood is just as bare.
Supporters made their feelings clear towards CEO Michael Nicholson, CFO Chris McKay and interim chairman Brian Wilson. That frustration has been building for months, not just the last 90 minutes in Dundee.
Nygren can see it. He said (Fotboll Skanalen):
“The fans I have met have been very good and positive. The ones I have met on the streets of Glasgow.
“But then I also understand the anger from the fans, when it is such a big club. They are used to winning so many titles every year. When you don’t meet the demands that exist, I understand the anger.
“A lot has happened. We’ve had a few coaching changes and there are a lot of demands in a big club like Celtic.
“We have not lived up to those demands. We went to the play-offs in the Champions League, and we are not leading the league. It has been a bit mixed. It’s been a lot to experience.”
It is a fair assessment, but it only goes so far.
Supporters of other clubs will label it entitlement. That argument falls flat when the same issues have been staring everyone in the face for long enough.
Recruitment has been patchy. Decisions at board level have been questioned. Performances on the pitch have rarely matched what is required.
None of this has come out of nowhere. The warning signs were there and ignored.
That is why the anger feels different this time. It is not a one-off result or a bad week. It is the culmination of drift.
There is still a title to be fought for, at least on paper.
Nothing was decided on Sunday, but if this level continues, it will not take long before it is.
This group has to find something, quickly.
Otherwise, the league is heading away from Celtic Park, and there will be no complaints when it does.
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