Celtic's Europa League campaign is on the brink after a third consecutive defeat, but defender Dane Murray insists the dressing room is not ready to give up. The Hoops lost 2-1 to Celta Vigo on Thursday, leaving them with zero points from three games and facing an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stages.
Despite the mounting pressure, Murray remains defiant, stating that belief within the squad is unwavering. "If there's no belief then what's the point in turning up? You're always confident going into games," he said. "I think we set out at the start of the campaign looking at the eight games and thinking we could win all of them, so nothing's changed."
Defeat to Celta Vigo leaves Celtic on the ropes
The defeat to Celta Vigo was a bitter blow, especially after Celtic had taken the lead in the second half. Murray admitted that the momentum shifted after the visitors equalised from a free kick, followed by a second goal that left the Hoops struggling to respond.
"We were in control for large parts of the game. Then we come out in the second half and get the goal then they score from a free kick," Murray explained. "So I feel like the momentum shifts a wee bit. Then they score a second and you're just trying to battle your way into the game but unfortunately we couldn't."
With home games against Besiktas and Marseille still to come, plus trips to Toreense and Omonoia Nicosia and a final match against Union Saint Gilloise, Celtic's path to progression looks daunting. However, Murray is adamant that the squad will keep fighting.
Murray's personal battle for a starting spot
On a personal level, Murray has been one of the few positives for Celtic, starting four consecutive games for the first time in his career. The 23-year-old has been forced into action due to injuries to Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty's personal leave, and he is determined to make the most of his opportunity.
"I don't have a secret, to be honest. I've not got one. I just keep my head down, keep working. That's pretty much it," Murray said. "It's probably hard to say right now, but I think just trying to concentrate for 90 minutes. I mean, I gave away a penalty last week in the third minute – it probably doesn't shine a light on it! But I think it's just concentration, that's the main thing."
Murray also brushed off speculation about a potential loan move in the summer, reaffirming his desire to stay at Celtic. "I think for me, I don't really read into that much too much," he said. "I think a lot of speculation was around Dundee at the time, but for me it was ultimately just to keep my head down. I don't really listen to that stuff. I think I always want to play here, that's my main focus."
Focus shifts to Hibs clash
Celtic now turn their attention to Sunday's league match against Hibernian, where Murray could feature again with Carter-Vickers still recovering from a hamstring issue. The defender is focused on the task ahead, acknowledging that every team poses a threat.
"I think it's just about going out on Sunday, just trying to get ourselves ready," Murray said. "Hibs' form and how they're doing, you can't really look into it too much. They could go out on Sunday and be brilliant and so could we. Every team is dangerous. Every team has got the belief that they can beat Celtic, and we've got the belief that we can beat them."
Murray also reflected on the recent pattern of results, noting the importance of bouncing back after disappointment. "We came off Benfica last Thursday. Our second-half performance was good, and then you go on to Sunday and do really well in the league. And then you go the other night, you don't get the result you want," he said. "But it's about dusting yourself down and getting ready for the league again."
