‘I don’t buy it’ – Motherwell boss dismisses Celtic crisis talk ahead of Fir Park clash

Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson has dismissed suggestions that Celtic are in crisis ahead of Sunday’s Premiership encounter at Fir Park.

Martin O’Neill’s side return from the international break sitting top of the league after seven matches, although recent results have intensified scrutiny of the Hoops boss.

Back-to-back defeats against Rangers, alongside a disappointing European result against Ferencváros, have increased pressure on O’Neill, with supporters growing increasingly frustrated by performances.

However, Johansson believes the reaction to Celtic’s recent struggles has been excessive, pointing to their position at the summit of the Premiership.

Speaking to Sky Sports Scotland, the Motherwell boss said: “So I find it quite strange when the team that is number one in the table and they lose a couple of games and then it’s a crisis. I don’t buy it.

“So I understand that those games means a lot to those supporters. But I think that the team that will face us on Sunday is so talented.

“They have so much quality in their team and in their staff. So obviously, it’s going to be a very tough game, and we need to make sure that we are the best version that we can be, rather than thinking about them. So I think that’s going to be our task.”