Celtic defender Alistair Johnston has poured cold water on talk of an invincible league campaign after the Hoops’ blistering start to the season.
With 13 wins and one draw in the Scottish Premiership, Brendan Rodgers’ side is cruising at the top of the table, leading some fans to dream of a repeat of the famous 2016/17 unbeaten season.
However, Johnston, speaking at a press conference on Friday, was quick to downplay the possibility.
When asked if there was any talk—behind Brendan Rodgers’ back—of an unbeaten season, Johnston made it clear that such discussions aren’t on the players’ radar:
“It’s way too early for that. I’ve not been part of a team that’s done anything like that, I’m not actually sure when the last team was that did that.
“It’s something that’s so far down the road and this league is so competitive.
“A lot of people from other places might say that the Scottish league isn’t that difficult, but having played in it every single match is difficult.
“It’s not just the teams it’s the pitches, the environments. You’re constantly playing against something difficult.”
The Canadian international’s caution is understandable. While Celtic’s form has been remarkable, the challenges of maintaining consistency across a full season are immense, particularly in the competitive and unpredictable nature of Scottish football.
Celtic’s unbeaten run has been a testament to their quality depth and starting XI under Rodgers, with key players stepping up in every match.
From front to back, the squad have delivered consistent performances, while squad rotation has ensured the team remains fresh amid domestic and European commitments.
The last Celtic team to go unbeaten in all three domestic competitions was Brendan Rodgers’ 2016/17 Invincibles, who completed the entire domestic season without a single loss, winning the league, Scottish Cup, and League Cup in the process.
