Stiliyan Petrov – Celtic title triumph would be The Sweetest Thing | OneFootball

Former Celtic midfielder Stiliyan Petrov believes that lifting the Scottish Premiership trophy this season would rank among the most satisfying triumphs for the club in recent years…

27 August 2000: Stilian Petrov celebrates scoring during the Celtic v Rangers Premier League match at Celtic Park, Photo: Stu Forster/ALLSPORT

The Hoops endured a setback over the weekend after slipping to a 2-1 home defeat against Hibs, although their title hopes were given a measure of encouragement when the Ibrox club drew with Livingston 2-2.

As it stands, Celtic sit two points adrift of their Glasgow rivals and remain six behind Hearts, but have a game in hand over both.

Speaking via Sky Sports, Petrov said: “I don’t think the team is being consistent. With so many changes, so many issues off the field with the fans and the boards, the pressure of the team not performing, the team underperforming as well.

“To be honest, they played quite well; they just couldn’t find the solution in front of the goal. The main thing is they are still in the running for the title, and they are close. Even going through a difficult time, they still have the opportunity to win the league, and it could be the sweetest league in the last couple of years.

“Celtic has been so dominant for many years. Usually, by February, Celtic is clearly champion, but this year is completely different. It is exciting and refreshing. There are a lot of questions about Celtic as a club.”

Celtic Chief Executive Michael Nicholson and Celtic Chief Financial Officer Chris Mackay in the directors box. Celtic v Hearts, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 07 December 2025. IMAGO photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

Petrov added: “Could they change something? Could they be more transparent? Could they have better leaders? Sometimes, when you do well, everything is fine, people don’t ask the questions.

“When you start not doing well, that is where the questions are being asked and the fans have the right to do that.

“At the moment, watching Hearts and (the)Rangers, the three teams have not been very consistent this season. It is not like somebody is going to be the champion. They have been so inconsistent and are going through difficult patches.

22.02.2026 Celtic v Hibernian, Scottish Premiership. Martin O’Neill. Photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO

“Celtic this season has been going through more difficult situations than everybody else, but they still have a chance and a good shout to fight for that league, and it is going to be an interesting four months to go.”

Three actually, Stan.

Conor Spence

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