Leggy Celtic's physical conditioning is another concern needing immediate action - Alison McConnell

Long woven into the fabric and traditions of Celtic has been an ability to eek out late winning goals. The Centenary season or the Invincibles Tom Rogic moment might immediately spring to mind in terms of drama and headlines but over the years there have been ample examples of a last gasp winning goal swinging things in Celtic’s favour. The worrying trend, however, over the last 12 months has been its reverse as a leaky defence have adopted a concerning habit of gifting goals.

So often a late goal is seen as ‘lucky’ where the reality is that the fitter teams, still pressing and still working, tend to make their own luck. The converse appears to be true, too, that teams who look out on their feet are more likely to make mistakes.

Against Midtjylland last week as the game headed into extra-time, it would be a struggle to recall Celtic causing any genuine consternation to the Danes defence. Against Hearts there was Craig Gordon to deny a late share of the points but, again, there was a leggy look to Celtic.

Last-gasp flurry apart, Celtic created little in the last 35 minutes against Hearts

Of all the changes that need to be overseen and implanted in terms of the infrastructure of the club and the immediate call for new players, is surely a look at how the club is set up in terms of conditioning. There was a telling aside on Friday when Ange Postecoglou spoke as he appeared to accept it is – another – area that needs to be properly assessed.

“People have asked me about bringing my own people in, well, it’s not the coaching area that I think we need that extra support in,” he said.

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“I think the areas we need are particularly in the conditioning area and the sports science area, we need some more people in to help us. It’s going to be a punishing schedule. I’m a big believer in needing to manage your squad of players through that period if you want to play the kind of football we want to play, be a team that plays high intensity, pressurises the opposition and really wants to move the ball quickly then that takes a physical toll.

“So, looking after the players off the field is really important, and certainly we’re looking to bring in people who will help us in those areas.”

This month will provide little respite for players needing to get up to speed nor will it go any way to easing the burgeoning pressure around the club. The next few weeks are seismic in terms of the league games, the Europa League qualifier, the League Cup tie and, of course, the closure of the transfer window.

Ange Postecoglou would be forgiven for an overwhelming feeling that his role is akin to an amusement park game where his mallet cannot get down quick enough before the next issue raises its head.