Celtic forward Benjamin Nygren has addressed the growing frustration among supporters following the club’s eighth Premiership defeat of the season, admitting he understands the anger directed at the Parkhead hierarchy.
The Swedish international, who leads the Hoops’ scoring charts with 20 goals across all competitions, spoke candidly about the mixed campaign ahead of representing his country in World Cup qualifying play-offs against Ukraine. Celtic currently sit third in the table, five points adrift of leaders Hearts, after suffering a 2-0 reverse at Dundee United.
Supporter discontent has simmered throughout the season, stemming from a frustrating summer transfer window and a humiliating Champions League exit to Kazakh side Kairat Almaty. Tensions boiled over at Tannadice, where chief executive Michael Nicholson, chief financial officer Chris McKay and interim chairman Brian Wilson faced the wrath of travelling fans, with police forming a barrier to separate the board from the crowd.
Nygren recognises the pressure that comes with representing a club accustomed to domestic dominance. “The fans I’ve met have been very good and positive,” he noted, referring to encounters on the streets of Glasgow. “But then I also understand the anger from the fans, when it’s such a big club. They’re used to you winning so many titles every year. When you maybe don’t meet the demands that are there, I understand that anger.”
The 24-year-old also reflected on the chaotic scenes that followed Celtic’s Scottish Cup victory over Rangers at Ibrox, which required a penalty shootout to settle. “It was a bit chaotic but an experience, you could say,” he recalled. “I’m glad we came away with a win. There is always a lot of emotion in that match. There is a lot of history between those clubs.”
Despite the team’s struggles, Nygren’s individual performances have attracted admiring glances from Premier League clubs. The playmaker remains philosophical about such speculation, insisting his focus lies solely on completing the season strongly with Celtic.
“Of course it’s fun. It proves that I’ve done something good,” he said regarding reported interest from England. “But I always try to be humble about it and continue like I’ve always done. Work hard every day and try to get better as a player. Then we’ll see where it leads. There is no focus on that now. The season is underway.”