The recent run of poor results and performances for Celtic will have come as a surprise, a shock even and certainly a first time experience for Jeremie Frimpong who has known little other than success since breaking into to Neil Lennon’s side last autumn.
The former Manchester City starlet made his debut against Partick Thistle in the Betfred Cup and sparkled, picking up the Man of the Match award and winning over the Celtic support from the off. He was that almost unique kind of a Celtic project signing, one who broke into the first team almost straight away, looked right at home and has become the first pick player in his position.
Now though Frimpong has had to try to come to terms with the team’s recent results, some dreadfully poor performances – like in the games against theRangers and Sparta Prague – and some harsh words from his own manager who has demanded improvement.
Frimpong has taken that to heart and has been staying behind at training to work on aspects of his own game that has come in for criticism. Perhaps the final ball, maybe shooting but are likely his defensive positioning. If Frimpong is going to remain the first pick right back he needs to ensure that his first priority is a defensive one. However most of the focus in his extra sessions appear to be attack minded.
“Consistency is obviously really important so, as a team, we’re all focusing on finding those high levels of performance and building on them game to game,” said Frimpong, speaking to the new edition of Celtic View.
“We need to improve individually as well as a team and I’ve been trying to do that.
“I’ve been staying on after training to work on some areas I want to improve on. I’ve been focusing on crossing and delivery into the box. I’ve been getting into those areas but my final ball was letting me down.
“I want to improve my crosses and passing in those areas because I know it can really help the team. The coaches and gaffer have been helping me with that after training and it’s something I’m going to keep work working on.
“When I got the assist in the Lille game, I was really happy because I’ve been working hard on it and it made a difference for the team. Hopefully, I can get many more assists.”
🗣️ "When I got the assist in the Lille game, I was really happy because I’ve been working hard on it and it made a difference for the team. Hopefully, I can get many more assists."@CelticView Exclusive with @JeremieFrimpong 🍀
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) November 12, 2020
