Nine or ten games remain in the Scottish Premiership season, a timeframe Benjamin Nygren suggests is sufficient for Celtic to close the gap on leaders Hearts. The Swedish midfielder, who has netted 19 times for Celtic this season, expressed confidence in his team's ability to "hunt down" their rivals, asserting that "every game now is the biggest game of the season." This sentiment follows a recent victory against Aberdeen, the first under new boss Wilfried Nancy, which Nygren believes marks the end of a "difficult period" for the club.
Nygren's comments, circulating across multiple publications, underscore a palpable shift in Celtic's outlook. The midfielder highlights the team's current form and their intention to build on recent successes, with a crucial home fixture against Hearts on the horizon. This fixture is framed as an opportunity to gain ground, especially after Hearts have secured wins against both "Old Firm" sides. Celtic, currently trailing Hearts by six points and having played one game fewer, are signaling a renewed determination to challenge for the title.
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A SEASON OF STRUGGLES AND A TURNAROUND?
The narrative surrounding Celtic this season has been one of rebuilding. The arrival of manager Wilfried Nancy was initially met with a challenging run of four consecutive defeats. However, Nygren's insistence that "that is behind us now" suggests a collective effort to move forward. The midfielder's personal success, leading the club's scoring charts with eight goals and five assists according to one report, is presented as indicative of the team's broader potential. This perspective is further supported by Nygren's observations regarding the team's performance, noting that they "created a lot of chances without scoring" in previous matches, implying an underlying strength that is now beginning to manifest.
THE MENTAL GAME AND THE PURSUIT
Nygren's rhetoric extends beyond mere performance metrics, delving into the psychological aspect of the title race. He warns Hearts that they "will feel the pressure now," implying that Celtic's resurgence will create an intense chase. The player's comments are framed as a "rally call," aiming to galvanize both his teammates and the club's supporters. The persistence through a "rough patch" and continued dedication in training are cited as key factors that have prepared the squad for this critical juncture. The club appears poised to leverage their current momentum, with Nygren emphasizing the need to "focus on what is ahead" and "what we can do to win the games that are ahead of us."
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CONTEXT OF THE LEAGUE
Hearts currently holds a six-point advantage over Celtic, with both teams having a significant portion of the season remaining. Hearts have achieved notable victories against traditional rivals, underscoring their strong position. The upcoming fixtures, including a direct encounter between Celtic and Hearts, are positioned as pivotal moments that could significantly alter the league standings. The "ordinary Bhoy" perspective, as referenced, seems to align with this sense of ongoing contention, where each match is viewed as a "biggest game of the season."